Q&A with Alex Peck, Atlas National Director of Industrial Hygiene & Building Science��

What is��Legionella,��and why is it dangerous?

In 1976,��one of the top��news��stories was the��mysterious pneumonia��outbreak at the landmark Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.����

Approximately 4,000 representatives from the state��American Legion met��for a bicentennial convention��at the hotel��that��July.��The meeting went off without any issues, but several days��following the event,��hundreds of��attendees��began coming down with pneumonia-like symptoms.��By August,��approximately��30 people had��died��from complications. Following the outbreak, a research microbiologist from��the Center for��Disease��Control and Prevention (CDC) determined the cause to be a��new��bacterium, known today as��Legionella��pneumophilia, which is commonly��found in water pipes and air conditioning units.����

This first outbreak��identified��a��public health��threat��for��large facilities like hotels��and hospitals, where water��moves slowly through a complex web of pipes, valves and other plumbing fixtures, and the threat is still very��real today.��Yearly outbreaks of��Legionnaire’s disease��and Pontiac fever��(a milder case of��legionellosis)��occur,��including recent cases��in��California,��New York��and Florida.����

While the threat is real��and likely increasing��due to a combination of increased surveillance, aging populations, increased urban density��and��warmer temperatures��that create a prime environment for increased bacteria growth��(especially in��America’s��aging��buildings and their water��systems), it is imperative for businesses to focus on prevention, rather than mitigation.����Not only is prevention less costly,��but it��can��most importantly help��save lives��and��protect your��company’s reputation.��Not to mention, outbreaks can lead to extended closures and loss of business, which can be costly too.����

Is Legionnaire’s��disease preventable?����

Yes, Legionnaire’s disease is preventable if businesses take proper precautions to��maintain��their water systems.��The CDC reported 6,000 cases in 2015��and predicts annual cases range from 10,000 to 15,000.����

How can your business protect itself from��legionella outbreaks in your facilities?����​

Legionella��outbreaks are likely to occur in buildings with��large,��complex water systems, such as hospitals, nursing homes,��hotels, office buildings,��manufacturing��facilities��and in��engineered water systems like cooling towers, water��fountains��and hot tubs.����

The most��common��places��to breed bacterial growth include:��

• Cooling towers.��

• Water features (falls, foundations, ponds, misters).��

• Swimming pools and hot tubs.��

• Drinking water fountains.��

• Aging water systems.��

• Unused plumbing.��

• Ice machines.��

• Water heating and hot water distribution.��

• Shower heads and faucets.��

However, by conducting formal evaluations to��identify��places��where��Legionella��growth��is likely to occur in your facility, you can proactively mitigate your risk by taking a basic approach��that involves:��

• Creating��a team.��

• Diagraming��water systems.��

• Evaluating��systems for risks.��

• Implementing��controls.��

• Monitoring��corrective actions.��

• Assessing��program effectiveness.��

• Documentation.��

How is Legionella regulated?����​

Unfortunately,��not��many��regulations specific to��Legionella��(although the number is increasing)��exist, and currently no federal regulations��are in place.��The��Centers for Medicare and Medicaid��Services (CMS)��has issued a��memo��that requires��all Medicaid facilities��nationally��to develop and��maintain��a��Legionella��management program,��in accordance with��the��CDC recommendations.����

Some state agencies have adopted their own��Legionella��regulations.��For instance, in 2015 and 2016, New York published rules for cooling towers and medical facilities, which��include registration of cooling towers, monitoring, notification,��maintenance��and reporting.����

More recently,��New Jersey��passed��a��comprehensive��rule,��requiring��community water systems to��always��maintain��a minimum detectable disinfectant��level in��all active parts of��its��public water system.��This��law��also��requires owners or operators of covered buildings or facilities (including hospitals, certain health care facilities,��prisons��and certain senior housing facilities) to develop a water management program to minimize the growth of L�𲵾��DzԱ������ bacteria in the facility’s water system and to include periodic sampling and testing for the presence of bacteria. It also includes fines for non-compliance.��While some state regulations exist, more can be done to protect public health.��

What is Atlas’ Experience in Addressing Legionella?��

Atlas’ team of highly qualified��industrial hygiene and building science experts have worked with businesses��and organizations��for many years to mitigate the potential risk of��Legionella.��Our team��helps by��creating��water management plans,��as well as��conducting��sampling��to identify��Legionella��and make��recommendations to help��mitigate��any��issues.��

Atlas recently helped a��25-story��office building by performing initial water sampling.��We��identified��Legionella��in one of the kitchen sinks. Our team helped��the client remediate the issue until the��Legionella��bacteria were��gone.����

We have many case studies like this; however,��to understand the real risks,��we��consider��several factors.��This might include��the number and age of��water and plumbing��fixtures, as well as how the systems have been maintained.��For example, a hotel has more��risk��than an office, and an old hotel��is more likely to have��conditions favoring��Legionella��growth��than a newly constructed hotel. Also, occupants of a retirement community are more likely to be susceptible to��Legionellosis disease than the occupants of a high school.����

If you are curious as to whether your business might be at risk for a��Legionella��outbreak, just��remember,��if��a building has��a��water system, there is a risk for��Legionella��growth. While there are��numerous��factors at play, the key to preventing��Legionella��growth is��maintaining��proper water quality,��disinfection��residuals, temperatures and flow-through—all pieces of an effective water management program.����

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we recognize the profound impact this historic storm has had on families, businesses and communities, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating storm.

At Atlas, we’re honored and humbled to support the recovery process. For decades, we’ve worked side-by-side with communities as they rebuild after natural disasters. Our offices along the Gulf of Mexico and the eastern coast, supported by additional staff from across the country, stand mobilized and ready to meet the needs of communities and regions that have been impacted by Helene.

Your Partner in Recovery

Our team of industrial hygienists are on the ground, offering critical services to assess and mitigate storm damage. We’re here to guide you through key aspects of the remediation process, ensuring both the safety of your environment and the well-being of those who depend on it.

• Asbestos and lead surveys: surveying buildings and structures for the presence of potentially hazardous materials and providing guidance for abatement.
• Water damage investigations: identifying and addressing water intrusions to prevent long-term structural and health issues.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments: testing air quality to ensure a safe return for building occupants.
• Mold surveys and remediation planning: evaluating mold growth and developing clear plans for safe removal.
• Allergen identification and bacteria testing: detecting potential health risks, such as bacterial contamination, which can result from water damage.

Our Commitment to the Community

At Atlas, we’re more than a service provider — we’re partners in recovery. From our efforts after major Hurricanes, such as Katrina, Sandy, Harvey and Ian, to our long-term work in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, and now our rapid response to Hurricane Helene, we understand true recovery goes beyond rebuilding structures. It’s about restoring the safety and well-being of the people who live and work in these environments.

Moving Forward Together

We believe in the strength and resilience of the communities we serve. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. As you rebuild, Atlas will be by your side, ensuring your environment is safe, your people are protected, and your path forward is clear.

Stay safe, and remember, together, we will rebuild.

Disaster Recovery Tips

Here are a few essential tips to help you stay safe and manage recovery efforts in the wake of a hurricane:

• Document damage immediately: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property, both inside and out, before beginning any cleanup or repairs. It’s critical for insurance claims.
• Approach water damage carefully: Floodwaters can contain bacteria, chemicals and debris. Avoid wading through standing water unless necessary, and always wear protective gear.
• Check for structural integrity: Before re-entering any building, inspect for signs of structural damage. Look for cracks, sagging ceilings or other signs of compromised integrity.
• Don’t handle potentially hazardous materials: Find out if building materials contain asbestos or lead before handling, and take appropriate precautions as needed.
• Address mold quickly: Mold can begin to grow within 24 to 48 hours after flooding. Prompt action is necessary to prevent long-term health issues.
• Ensure safe air quality: Poor air quality can pose serious health risks, even if no visible damage exists. Consider having indoor air quality tested, especially if water damage occurs.

Sources:

Source NBC Connecticut | Sign located inside bus promoting safety in Las Vegas.

Aftermath of homes from the wildfires in Lahaina.

The emergence of ANSI-Z89.1-certified Type II safety helmets equipped with anti-concussion technology represents a significant advancement in protecting workers from serious head injuries.

These helmets do more than just deflect impact; they are designed to absorb shock and distribute force intelligently, significantly reducing the risk of head trauma.

Despite facing obstacles like cultural norms and helmet design challenges, the construction industry, backed by supportive regulations from OSHA, is reshaping its safety protocols.

Collaborative efforts between regulatory bodies and technological innovators are not only enhancing safety at construction sites but also establishing a new standard that prioritizes the overall well-being of everyone involved in the construction sector.

Kudos to the contractors who have embraced these advancements. Or should we say, ‘hats off’?

The EPA has reached a turning point in its effort to transition key industries away from asbestos. Here’s what’s known about the final rule, which could go into effect as early as April.

The United States recently announced a ban on the only type of raw asbestos fiber imported into the country. This ban is not a standalone measure but part of a that will see a phased approach to eliminating all forms of asbestos and products that contain it.

The phased approach will provide certain manufacturers with a transition period of up to 12 years to phase out the use of asbestos in their products; therefore, the consumer will not see immediate effects.

With the US seeing a sharp reduction in domestic asbestos consumption over the years, the current reliance on imports of this harmful mineral has raised significant concerns among public health advocates.

The decline in asbestos consumption is part of a broader trend that reflects a growing awareness of the health dangers associated with this mineral. The last US asbestos producer ceased operations in 2002, and since then, the nation has exclusively depended on imported asbestos, mainly in the chlor-alkali industry, which accounts for 100% of .

Ban Implications

The immediate effect of the ban will be felt in the asbestos import sector, as the sole remaining type of asbestos fiber, chrysotile, becomes illegal to bring into the country.

Companies that use asbestos in manufacturing have been given a transition period to phase out their use, ranging from two to 12 years depending on the specific application and their facilities. This phased approach allows for an adjustment period, enabling companies to find alternative processes and materials.

However, it’s not without controversy. Many health advocates and professionals argue that this transition period is too generous, potentially prolonging the risks of asbestos exposure in the meantime.

The rule also carves out exemptions, permitting the import of other asbestos types under certain conditions. While this may be necessary to allow for certain critical uses, such as in handcrafted products, it also raises questions about how effectively these uses can be controlled and the potential for misuse.

Historical Context

Asbestos, highly valued for its , was used in a wide array of products during the 20th century. However, evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious respiratory diseases and cancer emerged in the early 1900s, leading to the mineral’s eventual decline in usage.

The history of asbestos in America is also marked by various regulatory attempts to manage its risks. Efforts date back to 1989, when the EPA first attempted to ban most asbestos-containing products.

These initial regulatory actions sparked controversies and legal battles, but they were also instrumental in diminishing asbestos’s presence in American manufacturing and construction. In recent years, legislative initiatives have gained traction, building upon the foundation laid by earlier regulations.

The 2024 asbestos ban not only fulfills long-standing calls for tighter restrictions on asbestos but also represents the country’s first legal limitation on the mineral since the recent overhaul of the in 2016.

Effects on Industry and Advocacy

The ban’s impact on various industries is likely to be significant, particularly for those sectors that have historically relied on asbestos.

Companies in the chlor-alkali industry, for example, which have extensive historical use of asbestos in their manufacturing processes, will face substantial challenges in transitioning away from this material.

The industry’s lobbying efforts reflect deep-seated concerns about the availability and cost of substitute materials, which could have ripple effects on products in the marketplace that are essential to ongoing climate, sustainability, and infrastructure projects.

Still, there are other methods to disinfect water and other ways to produce chlorine; in fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the U.S. is produced without asbestos.

On the advocacy front, the announcement of the ban has been met with a mix of relief and caution. Health advocates prioritize the immediate cessation of all asbestos imports and uses, fearing that the extended phaseout could pose continued risks to workers and the public.

They also argue that the ban’s safety measures are lacking, underscoring the need for enhanced protective regulations and public health awareness.

Asbestos in Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as pipe insulation, flooring, wall system components, glues, fireproofing, and many other items until the 1970s.

The new ban does not affect how these existing materials are managed and handled, which has been regulated by the EPA for decades.

Building owners are still required to conduct building inspections to identify and maintain asbestos-containing materials and have them professionally abated prior to building renovations and demolition.

Asbestos Services and Deep Expertise

In response to the new asbestos regulations, companies and government agencies turn to experts in asbestos abatement and safety compliance.

Atlas, a leader in environmental consulting, offers vital support to businesses navigating the complexities of asbestos management. Services such as asbestos surveys, air monitoring, operation & maintenance plans, and worker training become essential as industries strive to meet the ban’s requirements.

With the ban poised to reshape industry practices and protect public health, the road ahead is not without its challenges. A cooperative effort between government, industry, and advocacy groups will be essential to realizing a future free from asbestos-related risks.

By upholding the spirit of the asbestos ban, we can ensure that the health and well-being of workers and the public remain at the forefront of our national policies and practices.

Q&A: Atlas’ National Director of Industrial Hygiene and Building Science Alex Peck shares insights into recent air pollution events.

Smoke from Canadian wildfires settled across the U.S. Midwest and eastern seaboard in June, covering major cities in a hazardous haze.

Federal authorities issued health advisories in multiple regions, urging people to remain indoors and monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) until further notice.

While wildfire phenomena no longer surprise residents of western states, , a smoke-veiled, New York City skyline spurred public health concerns about the future.

Can exposure silently harm your health? We caught up with Alex Peck, the National Director of Industrial Hygiene and Building Science at Atlas, to learn more about the effects of wildfire smoke and how to deal with these unprecedented challenges.

How threatening can smoke that’s traveled hundreds of miles away from its source be to human health?

Canada’s fighting at the moment, so it’s difficult to determine the exact source of the smoke. We can presume that the airborne soot impacting New York state and the East Coast comes from western Canada by way of a storm system in Maine, but it’s likely that these fires are burning more than just vegetation and timber.

While breathing particle pollution from any source, including wildfires, can be harmful, if the fires are burning manmade structures and products containing plastics and rubbers, chemically, there’s no telling what you could be inhaling.

And unlike the wildfire smoke that stays aloft in the west, this particular smoke is lingering at ground level.

What is particulate matter?

Particulate matter (PM) refers to the microscopic solid and liquid particles suspended in the air. Although we can’t see these particles individually, they materialize as haze or smoke when present in high concentrations.

We differentiate sizes on a scale from PM10 (particles with a diameter of 10 microns or less) to PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less), or particles 50 times smaller than the diameter of a strand of hair.

The nose and throat can stop many larger PM10 particles from entering our body. Whereas finer, PM2.5 particles, can penetrate deep into lung linings and cause a host of respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

How do you analyze and rate wildfire smoke?

That’s actually one of the biggest challenges in occupational health and safety: we don’t have a good way of doing that right now.

Of course we can analyze the air in a myriad of ways, but the problem is there’s not really one catch-all solution where, to reference Star Trek, we can use a tricorder to gather, compute, and record air quality data.

We have to identify what we believe is in the air and then order the lab to analyze for it. Fires release thousands of toxic chemicals that are typically present in low quantities, making them difficult to capture. That’s one reason why we always focus on PM2.5, because it’s a good marker for just all the pollution in general. PM2.5 also tends to travel further at harmful concentrations than many of the other contaminants.

What smoke detection devices has Atlas installed for clients?

A lot of buildings, especially older models, weren’t built with ventilation systems that can detect particles that come from wildfires.

We recently started installing low-cost sensors that record air quality data in real time. They look like thermostats. They analyze ambient temperature, humidity, particulates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and carbon dioxide from people breathing in the building.

It’s new equipment that we can set and forget for 24/7 air quality monitoring. These devices can help our clients understand the impacts of wildfire smoke and other pollution on their indoor environments and employees.

How can Atlas help wildfire-prone properties stay healthy?

Climate scientists expect hotter, drier conditions to extend the fire season. Here’s how Atlas can help:��

1. Develop custom health and safety plans for employees working in hazardous conditions.
2. Perform indoor air quality evaluations amid wildfire events.
3. Conduct indoor air quality evaluations after a wildfire/isolated building fire incident to understand impacts and provide guidance for remediation.

The first entails developing a health and safety program for sectors that are exposed to wildfires. It’s geared towards commercial farmers, groundskeepers, delivery drivers, landfill operators, or anyone who primarily works outdoors. We also help businesses comply with wildfire regulations in applicable states.

The second concerns an assortment of different equipment, sensors and sampling devices, and laboratory analyses to assess ventilation system quality. We help determine if the ventilation systems are functioning at full capacity or if improvements are needed.

The third involves testing building surfaces for soot, ash, and char. In most cases, the smoke particles actually stick to surfaces and settle in the dust, which gives off a lingering smoke odor. We perform wipe samples to determine the level of impact to areas within a building and inform remediation plans. Smoke travels through wall cavities in sneaky ways. Basically, we help rid the building of contaminants and the associated smell.

How can individuals own their safety?

Keep an eye on those AQI numbers at . You can also view various “citizen science” indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring programs online, such as . Some platforms even allow you to opt for a meter that you can set up outside your front door.

If you’re in an area that’s experiencing intense smoke, staying inside is the main recommendation from federal agencies.

Make sure that the air quality inside is as good as it can be. You’ll want to keep windows and doors airtight as best you can. Make sure you’re using the highest rated air filters that your ventilation system allows.

I suggest buying those affordable air purifiers for rooms, too. The one thing that I would note about those is you want to buy one that has a , and you want to pay attention to the Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Get one that’s the right size for the area you’re trying to filter.

Stay away from ionizers. Basically, avoid products that advertise ionization capabilities or ionizing the air. They’re known to produce ozone and other pollutants that you don’t want to breathe. Just stick to HEPA filters. They’re tried and true.

Hurricanes may not strike as suddenly as earthquakes or tornadoes, but they are still unpredictable and can cause an unparalleled amount of damage to infrastructure, property and human life. Specifically, when hazardous materials are present at a facility, damage from water and wind to commercial real estate is a serious concern for businesses located in vulnerable areas.�� These areas include most of the coastline along the Gulf Coast, the southeastern U.S. and lately, more frequently on the eastern seaboard.

In lieu of hurricane season in the U.S. June 1 to November 30, we are reminded to make sure our businesses, schools, and communities are prepared to weather the storm with these disaster-preparedness tips from our team of experts.

Assess Risks and Current Procedures

The first step towards hurricane preparedness is a full evaluation of the site itself. Your location’s proximity to the coastline or other bodies of water is important, but there are many other factors to consider, as well. Hurricane damage is not limited to high winds and flying debris. In 2020, Hurricane Laura alone caused over����and losses to residential and commercial real estate.

Our consultants look at flood zone risks, site drainage features and barriers, soil composition, local geography and structural materials to identify potential vulnerabilities to both wind and storm damage as well as storm surge and flooding. Facilities housing potential contaminants and all procedures related to their handling, are priorities during the assessment to ensure the health and safety of the public during an emergency.

This proactive assessment includes a thorough evaluation of all risk-management and emergency measures already in place. Some of these procedures can be adjusted and integrated into a broader emergency and disaster recovery plan. Businesses also need to consider all of the applicable laws and regulations relevant to their industry, location and specific nature of their operations.

Create an Emergency Plan

The ability to react quickly to an emerging crisis can make the difference between a minor setback and a complete disaster. Every commercial site at risk of severe hurricane damage should have an updated and established emergency response plan. This plan provides employees and decision makers with a framework and essential checklist when facing an imminent storm. Procedures for providing emergency power, developing mitigation controls, ceasing volatile operations and bolstering chemical storage areas are just a few examples of what may appear in an emergency plan.

Emergency plans are not a “one size fits all” solution, and should not only be customized to your unique business, location and employees, but also regularly evaluated and updated as needed. Once created, it’s also important that all current and new employees are properly trained and made aware of new policies and procedures as they happen in case of an emergency event.

Develop a Disaster Recovery Strategy

Even if the storm only lasts for a day or two, the impact of a hurricane can linger for much longer. Unprepared sites​ can become seriously contaminated​ or structurally unsafe, which can cripple business operations on the premises for months or even years. That’s why businesses should have a disaster recovery strategy in place that they can implement to address issues arising from storm damage that accounts for every aspect of how it operates.

Damaged commercial sites should be inspected as soon as possible after hurricane activity subsides. Signs of chemical contamination, water intrusion or structural damage can represent a serious threat to the safety of workers and other personnel onsite, as well as the surrounding environment and communities. It’s also important to quickly address sources of ongoing damage, particularly when there has been flooding. A thorough disaster recovery plan includes steps to address concerns in order of priority and severity, providing a roadmap for the remediation process.

Remediating Damaged Sites

Some of the risks associated with hurricanes are unavoidable, even with a comprehensive emergency and recovery plan. Following the post-storm assessment, commercial property owners have to find an affordable and effective way to get back to normal operating conditions. The sheer complexity and scope of hurricane remediation can be overwhelming, but with the help of experienced environmental and engineering consultants, business owners can rest assured knowing that their property is well taken care of.

Atlas offers comprehensive disaster recovery support, including:

• Initial water damage assessments, including moisture intrusion surveys
• Asbestos, lead paint and other contaminated material assessments ​that may be required prior to demolition and removal of any storm-damaged materials
• Structural damage evaluations and assessments, including welding, concrete, foundation and roofing inspections
• Water damage moisture mapping services, as well as observation and third-party oversight of microbial abatement activities
• Program management and construction management
• Grant management services in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program: preliminary damage assessment, grant funding eligibility and recovery implementation phase, project delivery
• Air quality consulting, including fence line air monitoring in extreme cases of chemical releases and fires
• Testing and monitoring of indoor air quality for noxious fumes to ensure there are no fugitive emissions or releases
• Contaminated waste management, chemical containment, characterization and disposal management
• Chemical release and spill response and initial abatement activities
• Assessing, monitoring and mitigating impacts to soil, surface water and groundwater
• Utility restoration to the facility

Atlas is currently providing environmental investigations in the southeast Louisiana region in response to Hurricane Ida. Following the devastating 2020 CAT4 Hurricanes, Delta and Laura, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Atlas also provided immediate Industrial Hygienist support in the wake of significant flooding and continues to provide program management, construction management, and grant management services to the City of Lake Charles in support of FEMA’s Public Assistance Program.

Despite the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, there are measures companies can take to mitigate the risk of damage to life, property and the environment before a storm hits. Identifying and prioritizing the numerous risk factors impacting a particular site can be difficult on its own, and businesses have to do much more than that to survive a hurricane disaster. That’s why Atlas offers advanced solutions to support clients in all of their hurricane preparation and remediation efforts. ​Contact us today​ to discuss our comprehensive consulting services or to learn more about the risks hurricanes pose to your commercial property.