Police station closed due to mold, leaks

Police stations often suffer
from poor IAQ, affecting the
officers' health and well-being.

DARTMOUTH — Cracked glass, water-damaged files, corroded pipes and black mold were some of visible issues police building committee members saw during a recent tour of the closed police station.

“It blows my mind,” said Ken Vincent, chairman of the 12-member committee expected to come up with dollar figures on renovating the facility or building a new station. “It’s important for the committee to see this so we can ask the right questions when we go out to bid.”

The Russells Mills Road station has been closed for more than eight months after an officer became sick with Legionnaires' disease and the bacterium legionella was found in the hot water system.

Custodian David Saulnier said several old pipes that were blocked off during previous expansions allowed the bacteria to fester.

From corroded pipes in the boiler room to soggy boxes in the records room, Saulnier led a group of 14 through the building, identifying issues.

“Over the last three years, I kept getting new leaks in the new HVAC system that did not have some valves,” he said, pulling down drop ceiling tiles to expose dots of mold.

Pointing to a thick grey-green ooze on the floor of the locker room, Saulnier said he had no idea what it could be.

Select Board representative Stanley Mickelson, who recently replaced Lara Stone on the committee, had mixed reactions to the tour. “Discombobulating,” he said. “There’s so much to go through.”

As temperatures drop, the department continues to operate out of six trailers and portable toilets in the parking lot, a situation Traffic Officer Joseph Vieira said is “not ideal.” Representing the police union on the committee, he said the tour was “a great first step” but “long overdue.”

In the recent rains, water dripped through the dispatchers' trailer windows, said Donna Wunschel, also on the committee.

“It’s an indoor job. I don’t even have rain gear,” she said. “We are trying to deal with it the best we can.”

The town has purchased a modular station with plumbing and heat to replace the trailers. Town Administrator David Cressman said he expects it will be in place early January.

“Let’s hope for no snow until then,” Vieira said.

Source: South Coast Today


Protecting the law enforcers

Police and law enforcement officers have to deal with a wide range of dangerous factors - but indoor air pollution does not have to be one of them.

Electrocorp's RAP series is
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Electrocorp has designed dependable and efficient air cleaners for law enforcement, including air purifiers for evidence protection, aspergillus mold, office spaces and other indoor rooms.

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Electrocorp is a trusted supplier of portable air cleaners for law enforcement agencies across North America.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and a free consultation.

Police evidence rooms in need of good IAQ

Collecting and storing evidence is an important
part of police work and legal proceedings.

Collecting and handling evidence is often one of the weirdest parts of a police officer's work, but it is very important to properly store evidence for investigations and legal proceedings.

In most police evidence rooms, there is more than one custodian responsible for the evidence. The job is very technical, as any evidence that is lost or tempered with can't be used in a case in court.

To make sure they can tell where the evidence is, who's had access to it and when, the technicians need to put in place a rigorous process and go through regular internal audits. Digital record keeping helps with making evidence easier to track, and security is paramount.

The evidence room houses evidence such as illicit and prescription drugs, weapons as well as items connected to crimes, many of which will be returned to their owners, auctioned off or destroyed once the case has been closed.

Metal shelves and neatly labelled boxes make for an organized room, but the evidence technicians have to be careful about the indoor air quality in the evidence room.

Without proper ventilation and air exchanges, evidence room personnel may be exposed to airborne fumes, mold (especially Aspergillus mold from improperly stored marijuana), particles, dust, chemicals and other contaminants.

Measures for a healthy evidence room

Breathing contaminated air can affect a police officer's health and well being. Continuous exposure to poor indoor air quality has been associated with less productivity, respiratory disease and many other illnesses.

There are many measures that can be taken to make the evidence room (and other areas of the department) a safer and healthier place:

• Use a diligent process for storing evidence
• Use personal protective systems (such as masks and gloves) when moving and handling stored evidence
• Monitor and adjust indoor heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
• Use a portable air purifier with activated carbon, HEPA and UV germicidal filtration to remove chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, particles, dust and biological contaminants
• Keep the evidence room clean and organized

Source: Press Publications, Electrocorp

Worried about indoor air quality in your evidence room or police department? Electrocorp has worked with law enforcement officers across North America to provide cleaner air in evidence rooms and at the workplace. For more information, contact Electrocorp or call 1-866-667-0297.

Police constable sues force after inhaling cannabis fumes

Fumes from drying marijuana plants made her ill, a woman
police constable claimed.

A woman police constable cleaning up a cannabis factory claimed the fumes made her ill and caused her to injure herself on the job.

The policewoman sued the Hampshire Police Force and won nearly £5,000 after cutting her thumb when she tried to open a window.

She said the force breached its duty as an employer by exposing her to cannabis fumes and failing to provide protective equipment, especially thick gloves.

The police constable was cleaning out a property used to grow marijuana plants, and the policewoman's lawyer argued that the flat was dangerous and featured foreseeable risk of injury.

The constables were only given thin latex gloves and the property suffered from limited ventilation, he said.

The police force contested the ruling, saying that the police constable's job was pulling out cannabis plants. Thick gloves did not seem necessary, as there were no sharp edges involved.

Source: Daily Mail UK

Protect police force from dangerous fumes

Working as a police officer comes with many risks, but the police force can take measures to reduce these risks, especially when it comes to the inhalation of risky fumes and odors on the job.

Electrocorp has provided police stations across North America with high-quality air purifiers to provide cleaner, more breathable air when needed.

The air cleaners feature a thick carbon wall to remove airborne chemicals, gases and fumes as well as odors, a medical-grade HEPA filter for the abatement of particles and biological contaminants and optional UV light to neutralize bacteria, viruses and mold (including aspergillus mold).

Electrocorp offers a variety of units for spaces of all sizes. The portable air purifiers can also easily accompany police officers on the road to provide cleaner air in spaces that are under investigation or need clearing out.

For more information, contact Electrocorp and speak to an IAQ expert.

Mold health effects spur complaints by ex-sheriff's worker

Regular exposure to mold and mold spores has been linked to
adverse health effects such as respiratory disease and headaches.

Working in a sheriff's office should be safe, but one former worker has filed a complaint, saying she was unjustly fired after experiencing health effects from mold poisoning.

The former clerk in the Lee County Sheriff's Office was fired for using more sick days than she had accrued.

The former clerk, who had worked in the office for seven years, said she suffered from COPD, (a chronic lung disease), anxiety, panic attacks, headaches and back pain after being exposed to mold. She filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) accusing the sheriff’s office of disability discrimination and retaliation, saying they fired her instead of dealing with the problem.

She plans to sue the sheriff's office over her medical problems.

The office has since been closed for mold remediation, after the air was tested by trained staff, and renovations are supposed to begin.

Mold - a serious exposure risk

Regular exposure to mold spores has been linked to respiratory disorders such as asthma and COPD as well as neurological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, aggression, short-term memory issues and blurred vision.

Those affected have reported headaches, rapid heart beat, chronic fatigue, pain and other health effects.

Seek medial treatment if you experience any of these symptoms. Mold health effects are often misdiagnosed.

Source: The News-Press

Keep the air clean in law enforcement offices

RAP air cleaners

Electrocorp is a leading distributor of indoor air quality solutions for law enforcement, providing air cleaners with activated carbon, HEPA and UV to remove airborne chemicals, particles, mold, bacteria, viruses, odors, fumes, dust and other contaminants.

Air cleaners such as the RAP Series, I-6500 Series and the AirMedic Series have been used in law enforcement offices and storage areas.

For more information, contact Electrocorp today.

Fungal-infected prisons suffer from poor IAQ

Inmates and employees at prisons may develop health problems from poor indoor air quality

Prisoners and jail employees can be
affected by poor indoor air quality.

A deadly fungal infection known as valley fever is a concern in California, where the disease goes airborne in the rainy fall season.

Those susceptible to the disease will be affected by the spores that root in the soft tissue of the lungs.

In some California prisons, valley fever has prompted a judge to order many prisoners to be moved. The prisons are often located close to highways and other sources of poor indoor air quality.

But as California's prisons are overcrowded, there is no way to ensure all the susceptible prisoners be moved in time to avoid the deadly disease.

Source: East Bay Express

Improve indoor air quality with air purifiers

In prisons and holding cells, a portable air purification system can help remove airborne particles, chemicals, spores and other contaminants that may affect health and well-being.

Electrocorp's range of IAQ solutions include different air filters - HEPA and UV for biological contaminants, particles and dust, activated carbon for chemicals, odors and fumes - and can be modified according to need.

Contact an Electrocorp IAQ expert to find out more about industrial air cleaners for the police force and law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers being exposed to dangerous levels of toxic mold on the job

Researchers are warning that police officers could be facing potentially harmful levels of airborne mold while raiding pot-growing operations.

The team reviewed 30 marijuana-growing operations in Colorado and discovered mold levels 100 times higher than considered safe. In some cases the levels were so high the testing equipment couldn`t take a reading. 

"These are pretty incredible exposures," said Dr. John Martyny who conducted the study. "These are extremely high levels that we would consider dangerous.”

The team found that seventy percent of the sites studied had levels that would "be a sufficient concern for anyone who might live there." 

"The threat to the health and safety of our officers posed by these marijuana grows is a different kind of danger that we had not adequately considered," said Barbra Roach, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration-Denver Division. 

The research was funded by a Justice Assistance Grant and the Colorado Drug Investigators Association, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, and County Sheriffs of Colorado.

Does your law enforcement agency need to provide better protection from on the job mold exposure? Electrocorp has worked with numerous agencies to customize affordable air cleaning equipment for raids and tear downs involving drugs as well as air cleaning units for evidence storage. Contact an Electrocorp air quality expert for recommendation and pricing.

Florida building could pose a health threat to top law enforcement agents and other employees

Water leaks and wet insides have plagued Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tampa headquarters for years. Now half a dozen employees are wearing protective masks to work.

Air samples from the building show high levels of mold spores in both the upper and lower floors. Testers also found high levels of one of the most toxic and destructive forms of mold growing on the wall and inside a cabinet in the biology lab where DNA testing is carried out.

The report came in more than three weeks ago yet there is no date set for remediation. As per state policy, the scope of work must go through a bidding process.

The FDLE says only one person has reported getting sick. All employees have been told about the air quality report and been given the opportunity to ask questions.

 Source: ABC News

Are problems in your building causing a potential liability problem? Don't wait to mitigate the problem. Contact us for a free quote for an affordable, customized air quality solution.

Avoiding chemical and mold exposures in drug evidence rooms - Part II

Tips for officers in evidence rooms
to minimize exposures to toxins.

Storing drugs in evidence rooms and drug vaults at law enforcement agencies poses a significant health risks for the employees in charge of retrieval, maintenance and disposal.

They could be exposed to drug particles, chemical fumes, volatile organic compounds, mold spores, mold mycotoxins (terpenes) and many other contaminants.

While exposure levels may be low, inhaling these types of indoor air pollutants over an extended period of time may become a health risk.

There have been complaints from police officers ranging from respiratory problems to fatigue and anxiety, among many others (see Part I).

Based on case studies and health hazard evaluations, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has put together some general recommendations for drug evidence rooms:

1. Keep drug quantities under control. Frequent disposal of drugs can reduce the chances of exposure and off-gassing materials.
2. Make sure marijuana and other plant-based drugs are dried properly and set up a drying chamber inside the evidence room, if needed.
3. Use chemical and particle filters (activated carbon and HEPA) in the evidence room and ensure that filters are replaced regularly.
4. Have the HVAC (especially the ventilation) system inspected by a ventilation engineer and make improvements, if necessary.
5. Store dried marijuana in sealed plastic bags. If they need to be stored in ventilated cardboard boxes, they should be in an enclosed area in the evidence room with exhaust ventilation to contain odors.
6. Seal synthetic drugs in plastic.
7. Keep a relative humidity level of 30-50% to minimize mold growth.
8. Keep the evidence room clean and well maintained, using environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaners, gloves and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters.
9. Improve organization and avoid clutter.
10. Use a cart to transport evidence.
11. Avoid skin contact with marijuana as well as other drugs and evidence materials to reduce the potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
12. Alert employees of possible risks and open channels of communication to address problems quickly and efficiently.
13. Develop written policies and standard operating procedures and train employees accordingly.

Source: Evidence Technology Magazine

Carbon and HEPA air filters for mold, chemicals and odors

Electrocorp offers a variety of stand-alone, industrial-strength air filtration systems that address mold, chemicals, VOCs, odors, particles and other contaminants.

With a high-efficiency air filter system combining activated carbon and HEPA as well as optional UV, Electrocorp’s air cleaners for law enforcement have a proven track record to provide better, cleaner and more breathable air in evidence storage rooms as well as general office areas.

Find out more about the RSU Series, the RAP series, the numerical series and the I-6500 series by speaking to one of Electrocorp’s IAQ experts today. Call 1-866-667-0297.

Show your support for greener and healthier working environments by following this blog.

Related blog post:

• Mold wreaks havoc on materials stored in evidence rooms

Chemical and mold exposure an occupational risk in law enforcement – Part I

Improperly dried or stored marijuana can expose police
officers to mold spores and chemicals.

Working in an evidence room at any law enforcement agency can be an occupational health risk, industrial hygienists warn.

For crimes that involve drugs, police officers need to store evidence in a drug vault, and in most cases, indoor air quality suffers.

Synthetic drugs such as methamphetamine can emit dangerous chemical fumes, while plant-based drugs such as marijuana are susceptible to mold growth and often expose officers to Aspergillus mold spores. Marijuana also produces volatile organic compounds called terpenes that contribute to the drug’s taste and smell.

Employees may have to spend several hours each day in the evidence room, receiving, storing and retrieving evidence, transporting drugs and other materials, maintaining inventory, and getting evidence ready for disposal. These activities can expose them to drug particles, mold spores, volatile chemicals from drugs as well as from “air freshening” products.

Occupational Safety and Health intervention may become necessary if the evidence room employees start exhibiting health symptoms related to exposure, which may include:

• Nose bleeds
• Respiratory problems
• Skin rashes
• Memory fog
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Vision problems
• Burning eyes
• Facial twitches

Some employees show higher sensitivities to chemicals and molds than other employees, and while some people may experience symptoms right away, it may take years for others to develop any health effects.

The risks of exposures to certain drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine at high levels is well known, but low level exposures over extended periods of time have not been researched, occupational hygienists say.

However, there is limited evidence linking low levels of indirect drug exposures to acute or chronic health effects, there are reports in the scientific literature of people experiencing skin rash from occupational exposure and handling of marijuana plants and materials, with symptoms increasing over time with ongoing exposure (Majmudar et al., 2006; Williams et al., 2008).

Source: Evidence Technology Magazine

Air cleaners for evidence rooms and drug vaults

Electrocorp's RSU series combines
the most efficient air filters.

Electrocorp has developed portable and powerful air cleaners for law enforcement agencies, which can remove harmful chemicals, odors, volatile organic compounds, fumes, gases, fine particles, dust, mold spores, mold mycotoxins, bacteria and viruses from the ambient air.

The air cleaners boast a multistage air filtration system with a a deep-bed activated carbon filter, a HEPA filter, pre-filters and UV germicidal filtration (optional) to provide cleaner and healthier air throughout.

Electrocorp air scrubbers provide cleaner air in thousands of law enforcement agencies across North America.

“The … RSU 48 CC Air Scrubber has been one of the best investments for the evidence technicians in the evidence vault. With the odors of drugs, especially marijuana, this system removes the odors and smell of different types of evidence for all personnel handling the evidence in and around the vault. Being able to replace the filters and carbon is an easy process for the evidence technicians. I would recommend these air scrubbers to evidence room technicians.”
Tim Karp, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, CSI, Castle Hayne, NC
Read more testimonials

Contact Electrocorp for more information.

Show your support for greener and healthier working environments by following this blog.

Exposure to chemical fumes from evidence leaves police officers ill

Improper storage and escaping fumes put
officers in evidence rooms at risk.

The risks for those working in law enforcement don’t stop at the street level – they can lurk in evidence rooms and exhibit centers where old drugs, chemicals and other materials are stored.

The story of two Australian police officers who got sick after being exposed to toxic fumes is an extreme example of what can happen when inadequate health and safety measures are in place.

The two policemen were asked in March 2009 to perform a drug audit in the Sydney Police Centre’s drug exhibit center.

The room was about 4 x 5 meters big, not ventilated and was crammed with drugs and other chemicals up to 15 years old.

The officers walked in without wearing protective equipment and were hit with the toxic fumes instantly.

Three years later, they are unable to work and allege they were not given any training, special equipment or instructions.

The officers claim they were exposed to old methamphetamine in a particularly toxic exposure incident. Not only did they develop severe headaches, coughing, burning sensation in nose and throat and other symptoms during the drug audit, but their health continued to deteriorate over time, they say.

They are suing the police force for dozens of negligent acts and more than 50 breaches of the duty of care.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Remove airborne chemicals with carbon air cleaners

It is a fact of work-life that the drugs and evidence collected from various cases will have to be stored somewhere, often for a long time.

The right air cleaners can help remove
dangerous chemicals, fumes and particles.

In evidence rooms and other such rooms, the chemical fumes, aspergillus mold and other toxins emitted by the evidence can cause very serious health effects.

Along with adequate health and safety measures, a good ventilation system and safe storage systems, a portable activated carbon + HEPA air cleaner can help provide cleaner and healthier air.

Electrocorp has designed air cleaners for law enforcement and evidence rooms that can remove airborne chemicals, gases, fumes, odors, mold spores, mycotoxins, particles, dust, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants.

The air cleaners feature some of the largest adsorbent surface areas for gaseous pollutants and they are designed to work around the clock for reliable air cleaning.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and options.
 
Related posts

• Mold wreaks havoc on materials stored in evidence rooms
• Health and safety issues - Mold in the workplace
• Meth labs in decline thanks to new law

  

Meth labs in decline thanks to new law

Police often have to deal with chemical
explosions in illegal meth labs.

The state of Oregon passed a law to make 15 common household cold and allergy medicines “prescription only” – and it seems to be working.

The law targets healthcare products that contain pseudoephedrine, an important component for the production of methamphetamine in illegal labs.

Since the law has come into effect, meth lab incidents have gone down by 96 percent, according to the district attorney of Lincoln County in Oregon, who says that arrests, meth treatment admissions and crime rates in general have also decreased.

Oregon used to be a hotbed for meth labs, which can pose serious health risks to the people cooking up the drugs as well as residents and children in the nearby environment.

Because of the chemicals used in meth production, police had to deal with many fires, explosions and environmental exposure concerns.

While meth labs continue to be a problem in Oregon, the decrease in incidences makes a big difference. The district attorney says they used to take down 500 meth labs a year, which has gone down to eight so far this year.

Other states may soon follow Oregon’s example.

Source: The Register-Herald

Risks associated with meth labs

The cleanup of meth labs is also a dangerous task for law enforcement officers everywhere.

Short-term exposure to high concentrations of chemical vapors that may exist in methamphetamine laboratories can cause severe health problems or even result in death.

The risks come from the flammable and corrosive chemicals used in the process, particularly the solvents used in extraction and purification.

Electrocorp has designed powerful portable air cleaners for law enforcement that can be used on the job and remove a wide range of airborne chemicals, odors, gases and other contaminants.

They are equipped with a large activated carbon filter as well as HEPA and UV germicidal filtration (optional).

Contact us for more information: 866-667-0297.  

Police questioned about asbestos scandal

Police officers were not informed
about asbestos and other risks in
their homes and stations.

They are supposed to serve and protect, but police officers and their families in Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) state did not get the same courtesy.

They were kept in the dark about asbestos and other poisonous hazards in police stations and houses across NSW, an internal report revealed.

The Sydney Morning Herald published a detailed article about the internal investigation and events that led to the questionable actions by key personnel, which put officers and their families at risk.

They decided to bury hundreds of safety audits identifying threats in police houses and stations because they apparently did not have the funds to fix the 200+ properties.

The police officers should have been advised of the dangers of asbestos in their homes, sources say. Almost half the home and stations in the state are more than 40 years old and were built with asbestos-containing materials.

The officers’ requests to see the audit reports were repeatedly denied, until they were uncovered by the union a few months ago.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald


Effects of asbestos exposure

Asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eye, but they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, where they can damage lung tissue, cause scar tissue to form and develop into a disease called asbestosis.

People can be exposed to asbestos when they encounter airborne asbestos fibers, after asbestos-containing material is drilled, cut, abraded, sanded, chipped, or sawed during a renovation, for example.
 

Electrocorp's RAP series:
Portable air cleaners

Electrocorp has designed industrial air cleaners for facility management, offices, mold and asbestos abatement and many other industrial and commercial applications, including evidence protection and law enforcement.

The air cleaners contain a complete, multistage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA to remove a wide range of indoor air pollutants.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and product recommendations.
 

Law Enforcement Center attacked by mold

A badge won't help protect
officers from mold exposure.

The Douglas County Courthouse and Douglas County Services Center in the Alexandria area have been infiltrated by mold, according to recent reports, prompting air quality tests and causing concern.

The mold may be a result of the heavy rainfalls that have come down on the region this summer, an article in the Alexandria Echo Press said.

Mold was found in the license area and in the library, where walls with vinyl wallpaper were still wet. Water had also entered the child support offices, causing the subfloor to buckle and leading to a musty smell, one of the obvious signs of mold.

The Law Enforcement Center (LEC) also suffered from poor air quality caused by a foul smell, and mold was visible on several walls on the first floor.

Two Stachybotrys spores were found in the crawl space beneath the LEC.

Health effects of mold exposure

Commonly referred to as “black mold”, some strains of Stachybotrys mold are believed to produce mycotoxins that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, sore throats, fatigue, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, dermatitis, immune suppression and possible fatal pulmonary hemorrhage in infants, according to many experts.

Federal standards regulating mold concentrations in the air do not exist, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“Most typical indoor air exposures to mold do not present a risk of adverse health effects,” according to an OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin issued March 2010.

“Molds can cause adverse effects by producing allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions). Potential health concerns are important reasons to prevent mold growth and to remediate existing problem areas.”

Symptoms associated with allergic reactions to mold may include red eyes and sinus drainage, respiratory illnesses, skin or mucus infections, asthma attacks, irritation in eyes, skin, nose, or throat. Immuno-compromised individuals may experience infections associated with mold.

Mold needs to be removed, not just killed

OSHA recommended cleaning water leakage within one to two days to prevent mold growth.

“As a general rule, simply killing the mold, for example, with biocide is not enough,” the bulletin stated. “The mold must be removed, since the chemicals and proteins, which can cause a reaction in humans, are present even in dead mold.”

The officers and employees at the LEC had reported sore throats, scratchy eyes and respiratory issues after the July rain.

However, the complaints stopped after some air scrubbers, HEPA filters, and dehumidifiers were employed in the area and adjustments were made to the air-conditioning units for dispatch. Existing ductwork was changed and new ductwork installed.

The discussion is ongoing whether they should stay in the building or find another location.

Source: Alexandria Echo Press


Industrial air cleaners for law enforcement centers and evidence rooms

Electrocorp offers high-value, portable air cleaners for law enforcement applications that may involve Aspergillus and other mold spores and mold mycotoxins, heavy odors, airborne chemicals, fumes, particles and pathogens.

The air cleaners feature a multistage filtration system with the deepest activated carbon beds, the largest circumference adsorbent area, the most relevant filter media at the best price and the most customizable options and features.

RAP Series: Around-the-clock
chemical and particle removal.

Featured units:

• RAP Series, which includes a variety of sizes and models, a 360-degree air intake, optional UV germicidal filtration and a deep bed of granular activated carbon
• I-6500 Series: Ideal for larger law enforcement centers and areas where heavy odors, chemicals or mold is a concern
• AirRhino Series: Versatile industrial air cleaner with interchangeable carbon and HEPA filters
• Numerical Series: The most efficient air purifiers for smaller spaces, offering a large activated carbon filter, HEPA filtration and optional UV lamp; consider the 5000 Exec or 6000 Exec, among others.

Contact Electrocorp today for more information and suggestions uniquely suited to your needs.
  

Meth lab cleanups “on hold” as money dries up

Police need to find a way to
pay for methlab cleanups.

Law enforcement officials at the forefront of the war on meth in the United States had to make a sudden retreat after they ran out of funds to pay for the cleanups of the toxic waste that is generated by labs.

An AP article details the problems caused for police and sheriff’s departments across the nation by cutbacks from the federal government that helped law enforcement agencies to dispose of seized labs.

The government’s decision to cancel the program took away millions of dollars that were slated for the fight against meth labs.

Cutbacks affect investigative work

Law enforcement agencies often had to cancel special initiatives or assignments such as undercover work, door-to-door investigations and stakeouts to locate operating meth labs.

The AP analysis shows that the number of seized labs has dropped drastically in major meth-producing states.

Without the federal money, states have to find a way to replace the funds or make the cleanups less expensive.

Typical cleanups cost $2,500 to $5,000 per lab.

The problem is, meth labs are thriving in the US, with the number of new meth users rising each year and a growing number of shipments coming from Mexico.

What is meth?

Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant of the phenethylamine and amphetamine class of psychoactive drugs. It has high potential for abuse and addiction and in addition to psychological harm, physical harm such as cardiovascular damage, may occur with chronic use or acute overdose.

Short-term exposure to high concentrations of chemical vapors that may exist in methamphetamine laboratories can cause severe health problems or even result in death. Exposure to these substances can occur from volatile air emissions, spills, fires, and explosions.

Because meth is made using a volatile mix of ingredients such as battery acid, drain cleaner and ammonia, only cleanup crews with specialized training are allowed to handle the materials found in labs.

The waste and debris cannot be dumped in a regular landfill, only in specially approved waste sites.

Cleanup programs need to be adapted

The only solution seems to be for the states to implement their own cleanup programs.

In states where such programs already exists, local police and deputies are trained to remove meth waste and collect it in designated containers - essentially small metal storage buildings. The DEA picks up the waste and disposes of it.

The system is far less expensive - $500 for a typical cleanup.

Now some states that previously used the COPS money are developing their own container systems, including Michigan and Tennessee, which began its program last month. Arkansas also is looking at a container program.

Source: AP, Wikipedia

Industrial air cleaners for law enforcement agencies

Electrocorp has designed portable, powerful air cleaners with activated carbon and HEPA to remove a wide range of chemicals, gases, fumes, particles and pathogens from the ambient air in evidence rooms and other indoor spaces.

Contact Electrocorp for more information about air cleaners for law enforcement as well as testimonials from clients. Always consult an expert when dealing with hazardous chemicals and substances.
  

Health and safety issues: Mold in the workplace

Water is a beautiful thing - unless it leaks
into buildings and causes IAQ problems.

Water damage in the workplace can be a result of a variety of reasons, among them a leaking roof, broken pipes, heavy rains or similar problems.

But excessive moisture can turn into a serious problem in a matter of 48 hours, when mold starts to grow, which can affect the health and well-being of building occupants.

When heavy rains caused water damage at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office recently, management did the right thing and evacuated many employees.

According to an article in the Alexandria Echo Press, the water damage along with hot and humid weather prompted concerns about mold growth. Water was running down walls and saturated the building, and it was not clear where the leak occurred.

According to renovation experts, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the source of the leak, since water can travel behind walls and along supporting structures before it can be seen.

The precautionary measure to evacuate the officers is a smart move – exposure to mold spores and mold mycotoxins can cause or aggravate existing health conditions in many individuals and cause symptoms such as

• Headache
• Sneezing
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Coughing
• Irritation of eyes, skin, nose and throat

Mold often grows on marijuana stored
in evidence rooms.

Mold can also become a major problem in property and evidence protection rooms where marijuana and other hazardous materials are stored. Aspergillus mold is a common occurrence on improperly dried or improperly stored marijuana.

Electrocorp offers efficient, versatile and cost-effective stand-alone air filtration systems for Law Enforcement and other industrial or commercial applications.

The air cleaners remove a wide range of contaminants such as chemicals, particles, odors, bacteria, viruses and mold by leveraging a multi-stage filtration system:

RAP Series: Ultimate protection
for Law Enforcement agencies.

1. Carbonized pre-filters
2. 15 lb. to 120 lb. activated carbon filter (most efficient medium for the removal of airborne chemicals and odors)
3. Medical-grade or micro-HEPA (most efficient filter for the removal of small particles)
4. UV germicidal filtration (the UV lamp neutralizes live contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and mold mycotoxins

Electrocorp services law enforcement agencies, environmental consultants and a myriad of industries across North America. Contact Electrocorp for more information, testimonials and customizable solutions.
 

Mold wreaks havoc on material stored in evidence rooms

Law enforcement officers have a dangerous job – even when their primary responsibility is to guard the property evidence and storage rooms. One of the biggest hazards they face is mold, and more specifically, the Aspergillus fungus.

Marijuana attracts the Aspergillus fungus.

Aspergillus grows on any biological item, but it really likes marijuana and it doesn’t need much moisture to prosper and grow. When marijuana is stored in plastic, even minute amounts of moisture that is held by the plastic can support the growth of Aspergillus.

Aspergillus can affect law enforcement officers' health

The problem is that even perfectly dried marijuana plants still contain 10-15% water. When property evidence officers handle the decaying material, they can be exposed to mold spores that enter the human body through the ears and nose. Reported health effects are stuffiness, a feeling of being unwell, coughing, wheezing and lung damage.

Another issue with plastic is the destruction of evidence. When officers use plastic to hold evidence, the retained moisture can cause it to mold, corrode or rust, and plastic is often blamed for destroying latent fingerprints. Some law enforcement officers ask that plastic is only used for drug-related items, except marijuana, and jewelry.

To stave off mold infestations, evidence storage rooms need to

• Install adequate ventilation systems and make regular filter replacements
  
• Implement an improved storage system: Don’t store copious amounts of marijuana, especially after a case has been adjudicated. Document and photograph excessive amounts of marijuana, and only keep samples. The samples must be cleaned and sealed appropriately
  
• Ensure good housekeeping procedures: discard all materials that are visibly affected by fungi, clean all surfaces and disinfect the area, supply workers with protective equipment
  
• Recognize the hazards and the best ways to deal with them
  
• Look into other air cleaning methods to protect law enforcement officers. Electrocorp’s industrial air purifiers, including the RAP and RSU series are powerful air scrubbers that can help provide better air in storage rooms
  
• Consider each case individually for marijuana storage. Burlap or paper bags let the moisture escape, but they also won’t hold off mold spores. Impermeable bags made out of plastics can cause the contents to turn into a mushy soup of questionable evidential value. The best choice is dependent on the amount of time it is stored, the quality of the material and the existing situation in the evidence room.

RAP Series

Electrocorp offers a variety of stand-alone, industrial-strength air purification systems that address not only live airborne bacteria and fungi, but also provide superior particle and chemical filtration capabilities. An air purifier provides better, cleaner and more breathable air. To learn more about Electrocorp’s powerful air cleaners for evidence storage rooms, click here.

Sources: Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, International Association of Property and Evidence