Crossroads Environmental, LLC can perform environmental testing for fungi and bacteria. Environmental sampling for fungi and/or bacteria may be useful for the following purposes:

• To monitor levels of contamination prior to occupancy of special controlled environments
• To identify potential sources of nosocomial infection when a case has been identified
• To identify defects/breakdown in hospital ventilation/filtration systems
• To correlate outbreaks of nosocomial infection, such as aspergillosis, with hospital construction or demolition work
• To monitor efficiency of hygiene/custodial procedures

DUST MONITORING

Dust monitoring using real-time particle counters can be used to monitor the efficiency of dust control measures during construction or renovation activities.

INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE (OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE) MONITORING

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to evaluate employees’ workplace exposures to potential hazards. Healthcare facilities have many chemicals that may cause adverse health effects in elevated concentrations. Common chemicals found in the medical settings include:

• Ethylene Oxide
  Ethylene oxide (EtO) is used as a sterilant for medical equipment and supplies. EtO possesses several physical and health hazards that merit special attention. EtO is both flammable and highly reactive. Acute exposures to EtO gas may result in respiratory irritation and lung injury, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, and cyanosis. Chronic exposure has been associated with the occurrence of cancer, reproductive effects, mutagenic changes, neurotoxicity, and sensitization. OSHA regulates EtO under the Standard 29 CFR 1910.1047.
• Formaldehyde
  Formaldehyde is used in medical facilities as a preservative in medical laboratories, as an embalming fluid, and as a sterilizer. OSHA regulates the handling and use of Formaldehyde in Standard 29 CFR 1910.1048.
• Xylene & Toluene
  Xylene and Toluene are commonly used in histology laboratories. They are both highly flammable and can cause central nervous system impairment and respiratory irritation.

LEGIONELLA SAMPLING AND CONSULTING

ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, was just recently released. Its purpose is to establish minimum legionellosis risk management requirements for building water systems. The compliance to this standard is especially important in healthcare systems where there are infection-susceptible patients. Crossroads Environmental, LLC can assist health care personnel with complying with this standard by providing consulting services related to preparation and implementation of a Water Management Program and/or microbiological testing to assess the presence of legionella in the water systems.

ASBESTOS SAMPLING AND CONSULTING

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies require testing for asbestos prior to renovation or demolition activities, and have very specific requirements for proper handling and disposal if it is detected. Crossroads Environmental, LLC provides testing of building materials for asbestos and consulting services related to asbestos abatement. Consulting services include project design, project management (including bid solicitation for abatement), and air monitoring.