Published Articles

EPA Consumer Awareness Campaign: Vermiculite Insulation

Asbestos in Construction

MOLD, MOLD, MOLD

Taking EH&S Into Consideration During Renovation Work

So You Have OSHA Coming To Dinner?

Be Aware of Indoor Air Quality in Construction

New Asbestos Standards in New Hampshire

Press Releases

Dr. Evelina Vaughan has joined RPF Associates, Inc. as an Indoor Air Quality Scientist

RPF Associates, Inc. Announces Award of State-Wide Contract for Laboratory Testing and Analysis

Dennis N. Francoeur, Jr. CIH, CSP of RPF Associates, Inc. helps usher in merger of
Safety & Health Council of New Hampshire, Maine Safety Council

RPF Associates, Inc. Announces Membership in the American Indoor Air Quality Council and Indoor Air Quality Association.

RPF Associates, Inc. To Offer Mold Remediation Courses

RPF Associates, Inc. Celebrating 10-Year Anniversary

Kara Haley recently joined staff at RPF Associates, Inc.

Dennis N. Francoeur of RPF Associates, Inc. attends American Industrial Hygiene Association's Leadership Conference

Dennis N. Francoeur of RPF Associates, Inc. elected Vice Chairman of the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Consultants Special Interest Group

One primary service to be provided under the contract will be the performance of federally mandated building inspections prior to any renovation and demolition activity.

Earlier this year, the US EPA launched a national awareness campaign, coordinated with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, to address vermiculite insulation. You may have heard about it, or on the other hand, maybe not. A lot of folks in Libby Montana, unfortunately, heard too little too late from both state and federal regulators.

Vermiculite ore is mined. A mountain of it, literally and unexpectedly, was found and mined in Libby, Montana from 1925 through 1990. The presence of that much vermiculite in one place is fairly unusual. In addition, the geologic conditions that allowed for the ore deposits are, coincidentally, pretty favorable for another mineral - tremolite. Tremolite is a lesser known type of asbestos. Herein lies the problem. By itself free of contaminants, vermiculite is a pretty benign, safe material. But mix a little asbestos in and, Poof, there goes the neighborhood.

Sadly, the presence of asbestos contamination was passed off for years as "nuisance dust" to most of the Libby miners and, actually, the entire town. If you want to know more about the Libby mess, check out the book by Michael Bowker, Fatal Deception.

Vermiculite is often found in attic space and even wall space as an insulator. Vermiculite is actually pretty neat stuff as far as rocks go, as it expands or pops when rapidly heated. Once expanded, the vermiculite granules are spongy with shapes like mini-accordions and may have a silvery color or gray/brown appearance. Vermiculite is used in loose or sprayed-on insulation, swimming pool concrete mixes, soil conditioners (some potting soils) and various industrial products. A common brand of vermiculite insulation coming out of the Libby Montana mine had a brand name of Zonolite (although not all Zonolite originated out of Libby).

Vermiculite: Unexpanded, Expanded and a Single Particle

Tremolite, the natural contaminant found in vermiculite, is one of the types of asbestos, from the serpentine family. Asbestos is, like vermiculite, a naturally occurring mineral that exhibits substantial resistance to heat and chemicals. Because of its properties, asbestos has been used for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes (yes, even in some products still available today-but that is another article in itself). On the down side, the results of extensive epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that inhalation of asbestos fibers may lead to increased risk of developing one or more diseases. The adverse health effects associated with asbestos exposure lead to several federal regulations in the early 1970s.

In a May 2003 statement, the EPA offered the following key recommendations for homeowners with possible vermiculite insulation in the homes.

· Homeowners should not disturb vermiculite attic insulation. Any disturbance has the potential to release asbestos fibers in to the air.
· If homeowners must go into attic space with vermiculite insulation, they should make every effort to limit the number, duration, and activity level of those trips. Boxes and other items should not be stored in attics if retrieving them will disturb the insulation.
· Children should not be allowed to play in an attic with open areas of vermiculite insulation.
· Homeowners should never attempt to remove the vermiculite insulation. If removal is necessary, hire professionals trained and certified to safely remove the material.
· If you plan to remodel or conduct renovations that would disturb the vermiculite, hire professionals trained and certified to handle asbestos to safely remove the material.

Stephen L Johnson, Assistant Administrator for the EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances adds, "The government believes that people should be aware that some vermiculite attic insulation can contain microscopic asbestos fibers, and there are practical steps that homeowners can take to minimize exposures. People who have homes with vermiculite attic insulation should become informed, not alarmed." The EPA estimates that as many as 10 million homes in the US have had vermiculite insulation installed in them. I haven't seen numbers yet on the estimated number of public and commercial buildings, but judging from what I have seen personally, it is pretty high.

I would add here that most of the epidemiological investigations have shown there to exist a dose-response relationship indicating that the risks for developing asbestos related disease is typically linked to long term exposures to fairly substantial doses of asbestos. Hence, the manifestation of disease in occupations such as shipyard workers and manufacturing workers involved with substantial exposures to asbestos for long periods of time, not unlike the miners in Libby. On the other hand, asbestos is an airborne respiratory hazard and, if you have ever had the luck to play in vermiculite (I have, when I did construction years ago) it is pretty fluffy, spongy stuff that can lead to a lot of dust in the air.

So the EPA cautions the homeowner. What about the maintenance staff in an apartment building or the contractor climbing through the stuff in a public or commercial construction site? Fair question. The answer brings one back to the basic EPA, OSHA, and state regulations on asbestos: it is known that asbestos is present in thousands of products and the onus is on the owner and site operator to find out for sure or handle it as asbestos if it is suspect. Vermiculite is, at the least, suspect and should be approached with caution.

OK, so hire a consultant or industrial hygiene firm to test it? Yes and no. The jury is still out on a suitable analysis. Standard polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis can be performed but there still exists some scientific uncertainties associated with the actual analytical methods and this should be taken into considering during planning of the survey and bulk material analysis. Asbestos may be detected by standard PLM or TEM analysis of vermiculite; however it is possible to get some false negatives. At a minimum, a qualified industrial hygiene consultant should be able to provide information for basic engineering controls such that an airborne hazard is not created, and if removal or cleanup becomes necessary, information can be obtained on proper work methods and air monitoring. If asbestos is confirmed to be present, then any disturbance or abatement would need to be conducted by licensed personnel in accordance with all current applicable state and federal asbestos regulations.

Roger Francoeur, president of RPF Associates, Inc., has been providing environmental health and safety consulting and testing services throughout New England since 1986. RPF Associates, Inc. provides EH&S consulting, laboratory, and testing services. Visit www.airpf.com or email Roger at rogerf@airpf.com for more information.

Asbestos in Construction

A couple of mornings ago, I sat at my desk with coffee in hand thinking about deadlines: deadlines for three proposals due the next day, upcoming tax deposits, seven reports due this week, a bunch of remediation specification sections, and the list goes on. With summer work moving into full swing though, another set of deadlines and to-do's always seems to enter into the picture: asbestos in construction.

Asbestos in construction is highly regulated by State, federal, and in some cases local agencies. However, it can often be forgotten until late in the planning or even once the construction/renovation process has begun. Hopefully, the trigger is not employee exposures or a visit from the State, OSHA, or EPA. Once the can-of-worms is open during renovation activity though, the next issue is inevitably, "how quick can you get it done?" or "when can we start?" and "what paperwork and when do I need permits?"

First a quick refresher: Asbestos is a carcinogen and epidemiological studies demonstrate several diseases related to asbestos exposure. Asbestos can show up in all types of building material including but not limited to flooring, caulk and putty, roofing, siding, felt paper, insulations, ceiling tile, plaster, gypsum, joint compound, transite panel and pipe, gaskets, pipe and mechanical system insulation, spray-on insulation, and the list goes on. The EPA estimates that asbestos has been used in thousands of products. Recent media attention pertaining to tremolite asbestos contamination in vermiculite insulation from Libby Montana has added yet another very common building product to the list. A general rule of thumb is: if it isn't wood, metal, or rubber then the EPA likely considers it suspect ACBM. State and federal agencies require inspections of buildings by accredited personnel for ACBM prior to any renovation or demolition. If ACBM is present and will be disturbed, then specification work plans must be prepared, work bid out to licensed contractors (in most cases), permits filed, abatement performed, work monitored and inspected, and waste properly transported and disposed of at an approved landfill.

Typical steps for asbestos in construction are as follows:

Inspections: Usually requires a day of site inspection time and reporting for smaller projects and, needless to say, more time for larger projects. Ideally, inspections should be completed during project design to allow for adequate planning and budgeting. Laboratory analysis then must be completed and this typically takes 2 to 3 days as well as review time. Of course, there are always rush jobs taking less time, but rush analysis means asking for up to 100% premium rates for the lab. Inspections are a very detail oriented task requiring attention to detail; planning for access, proper sample extraction and public relations issues; and extensive documentation and reporting. Only licensed, accredited inspection firms should be used and the company should have adequate professional liability insurance coverage for environmental testing services.

Remediation Specification or Work Plan: Plan on a week or two if at all possible to allow for necessary review, meetings, coordination, draft preparation, and modifications of project design. Then additional time should be allowed for bidding of the work. Again, only licensed, accredited design firms should be used for project design and the company should have adequate professional liability insurance coverage for environmental testing services. Ideally, the design work is completed in conjunction with the overall renovation/construction design and planning phase of work. At that point, impact studies can be performed and all of the various abatement options can be reviewed. With abatement costs potentially representing a very large portion of the overall project costs, impact studies and design are critical. A good design document is also essential for the solicitation of apples-to-apples bids from qualified abatement firms, not to mention a thorough contract.

Notifications: All contractors at the site should be notified of testing and inspection results as soon as possible and in accordance with OSHA requirements. In addition, 10-day advance notice must also be provided in accordance with the EPA National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants and various state regulations. In many New England states, the notification is directed to the appropriate State agency and there is a fee depending on the type and size of project. Emergency notifications can be filed for public health emergency conditions.

Abatement: Although abatement must often be completed first thing and as quickly as possible, it is important to allow enough time for the job to be done correctly, thoroughly and safely. Sufficient time must also be allowed for adequate cleaning and inspections and testing. Otherwise, you may end up with more of a problem than you had to begin with, not to mention problems passing final clearance tests. Only experience and licensed abatement contractors must be used to conduct removal, repair, packaging and disposal of asbestos. The abatement will also need to be monitoring, inspected and tested by an independent industrial hygiene monitoring firm. Both groups should have the necessary insurance for this type of environmental work.

Records: Finally, following abatement work there are more deadlines. At a minimum, the following abatement records should be submitted to the owner within 30 days of completion of site work (and before final payment to the asbestos contractor). The construction manager and project industrial hygiene consultant should also review the records and submit their own reports.

· Site supervisor logs and daily sign-in sheets
· Notifications and permits
· Copies of current entity license and worker licenses and training records;
· Copies of OSHA exposure monitoring results; and,
· Signed, completed copies of the asbestos waste shipment records (WSR). The WSRs must be submitted within 35 days of each shipment of waste off site. If this isn't received, the owner/manager of the project must notify the contractor and request a status report. If the WSR is still not submitted by 45 days, then the owner/construction manager must notify NH DES.

It is important to remember that once the abatement work is complete, the end product of abatement is not a building or material, but asbestos that has been handled safely and disposed of properly…and piles of paperwork. So it is critical that you receive thorough and complete asbestos records and testing reports.

Reprinted from Builder/Architect Magazine, Vol. 9, No. 4
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National television, magazine and newsprint retell the many stories of buildings contaminated with molds. Frequently these buildings require costly decontamination to restore them for public use. Whether a single-family home, condominium complex or multimillion dollar high-rise office building, mold can cause significant outcry, sick occupants, unfavorable publicity and costly repairs for building contractors and building owners. Many of these stories are from the southern and mid-west US where humidity levels, rain or flooding are more likely to create environments where mold can proliferate. However, indoor air quality (IAQ) and sick building syndrome cases related to mold are becoming more and more common throughout New England.

Molds are a type of fungi and are a naturally occurring form of microscopic life. The US EPA indicates that more than 1.5 million species of mold exist. Although many species are innocuous and are not of concern, some species can cause allergic reactions, asthma or create mycotoxins and endotoxins, which can cause serious health consequences and occupant complaints.

Molds can live on many different types of building materials, which contain organic materials. Just add water or moisture, and the right temperature and mold will proliferate. Common building materials that may act as a food source for molds include: carpets and carpet backings, ceiling tiles, wall board, cellulose insulation, wood surfaces, wall paper and adhesives, window drapes and many more. Other materials, which may support the growth of molds may include, books, paper work, adhesives, organic soils, leaves and plant debris. Molds reproduce by producing spores, which are readily transported in the air and then settle out onto surfaces. If the surface is an organic building product or has organic debris, the colonies of mold can then grow and eat the material once water is added. The new colonies then have the potential to act as a source of airborne, molds, spores and toxins. The key to preventing indoor air quality problems or sick building syndrome cases related to mold is to control moisture and prevent organic building materials from becoming wet.

Three of the most common ways mold contamination can occur in buildings are (1) allowing organic building materials to get wet during construction; (2) building methods that allow moisture to accumulate in the structure of the building; and, (3) water leaks from pipes, condensation, roof leaks and elevated humidity levels within the building space. Keeping building supplies dry during storage, installation and after installation (if the building is still not weather tight) can help to minimize construction related mold problems. Concrete and block walls that are exposed to the weather and retain moisture must be thoroughly dried before wall boards, wood products and insulation materials are installed or the moisture may be trapped within the building providing a source for mold spores to draw on months down the road. Improper installation of building materials, such as vapor barriers, may also trap moisture within a building leading to fungal growth. Other culprits such as undersized drains and piping and roof leaks can also lead to water in unwanted places where mold can grow. Even months or years after construction is complete, mold contamination or mold IAQ problems may occur due to improper plumbing techniques leading to leaks and condensation on pipes.

Controlling moisture and designing for moisture control can eliminate the need for costly abatement of water damaged- and mold-contaminated building materials after your building projects are complete. It will also help to keep most of the stories of mold-contaminated buildings down south rather than down east.

RPF has staff membership in the American Indoor Air Quality Council (AmIAQ) and the Indoor Air Quality Council (IAQA). The AmIAQ and the IAQA are industry non-profit associations dedicated to promoting awareness of and education concerning indoor air quality and mold. RPF also has a Certified Microbial Consultant on staff. Visit us online at www.airpf.com, email at inform@airpf.com, or call 1-888-SAFE AIR.

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Many in the construction industry are now aware of some of the more common culprits, such as asbestos-containing building material (ACBM). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, along with many of the states require inspections by accredited personnel for ACBM in public and private buildings prior to renovation or demolition. If ACBM is identified and is to be disturbed by the work, it must be properly abated by qualified firms. Lead-based paint is also present in many buildings construction prior to 1978. Improper handling of the lead can result in workers with elevated blood lead levels and contaminated dust in and around the work areas. Lead and asbestos are regulated by various state and federal agencies and in both cases, adequate inspections during the planning phase will allow time to fully consider all options.

Another hazard that is currently an OSHA-emphasis program is silica. Silica is abundant in our natural environment and crystalline silica is found in materials such as concrete, masonry, rock and other similar materials. When they are made into a fine dust (for example, blasting using silica sand, concrete work, hammering and drilling rock, chipping masonry and block, demolition, etc.) and suspended in air, the fine particles can be breathed in causing lung damage, cancer, and increase the risk of other diseases.

A few other common renovation-related EH&S issues to consider include:

1. Fall Safety and Scaffolding
2. Hazard Communications
3. Electrical, Lock out Tag out
4. Confined Space Entry
5. Trenching and Shoring
6. PCBs (light ballast) and Mercury (fluorescent light bulbs and switches)
7. Slips and Trips - Housekeeping
8. Welding and Cutting

This is just a summary of some key EH&S issues. All of these potential hazards and concerns are most easily and most efficiently handled proactively. A good place to start is to become familiar with the OSHA construction safety standards if you aren't already. Often times it may make sense to be sure an EH&S expert is on the project design team. Don't forget that OSHA places the onus for regulatory compliance on owners, contractors and subcontractors and an OSHA-competent person must be provided at the job site. These considerations will be well worth it for you, your employees and your customers.

Roger Francoeur, president of RPF Associates, Inc., has been providing EH&S consulting and testing services throughout New England since 1986. RPF Associates, Inc. provides EH&S consulting, laboratory, and testing services. The RPF training center specializes in EH&S seminars and courses throughout New England. Email Roger at rogerf@airpf.com for more information.

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So You Have OSHA Coming To Dinner?

You just made it out of a weekly construction project meeting relatively unscathed, having had to broach the subjects of scheduling overruns and shrinking contingency funds with your customer. Now it's back to the work at hand and hounding the masons (or was it that demo crew?) who are holding the schedule up by 3 days. Then you get the unexpected visitor, an area OSHA compliance inspector.

It happens frequently and to be proactive, it is a good idea to have a basic plan to deal with that contingency, too. Needless to say, having adequate safety programs, regular safety meetings, management participation and wholehearted implementation and compliance efforts are the first steps. Diligent inspections for hazards by each employer's OSHA-competent person are also necessary. After that, a basic checklist for handling an OSHA inspection will allow you to approach an inspection in a planned, consise manner.

First, be sure to check the inspector's credentials and have the inspector identify the type of inspection to be conducted. Ask for copies of formal complaints, if any are filed. Check with management and/or council to determine if a warrant should be requested.

Designate a team to meet with the inspector and accompany the inspector during the inspection. Someone should be appointed as the team leader and liaison. Your safety department should also have a representative on the team. Team members should be familiar with the Occupational Safety and Health Act and your company's rights and responsibilities. For the opening conference, introduce team members and ask for details on the purpose and scope of the inspection. For the inspection, bring along note pads, cameras, copies of the OSHA standards, site logs. The inspector should be escorted at all times and all document requests or subpoenas should be directed through the team leader immediately. Answer all questions truthfully and clearly, but often times you will be better off not volunteering information - just give the facts in your answers. Take copious notes.

You have the right to insist that all document requests made by OSHA be made in writing and to screen such documents for trade secrets, confidential information, or attorney-client privilege. Obviously, if the inspection is the result of a serious injury or death, consult with your legal representation immediately.

Ask for copies of all pictures taken by the inspector and if any industrial hygiene sampling is to be performed, find out the details and make arrangements with a Certified Industrial Hygienist to complete side-by-side sampling. Always be professional and courteous with the inspector, and do not argue if you disagree with his or her opinions.

If the inspector requests to interview employees, remember that the employee has the right to refuse to speak to the inspector, ask that you be present during the interview, or the employee can request to speak privately with the inspector. You can insist that interviews do not interfere with your business operations and that lengthy interviews be scheduled in advance.

If the OSHA compliance inspector brings to your attention a potential violation, review corrective actions with the inspector and implement corrective measures immediately, if at all feasible and without admitting guilt.

Finally, insist on a closing conference with the inspector and team members. Identify misunderstandings, if any, and correct them as much as possible. However, do not make unwarranted admissions. Come right out and ask what, if any, citations may be issued and if they will be classified as serious, non-serious, repeat or willful. Be sure that all reports to be made by the company are completed on time and are reviewed by your counsel prior to submission.

If you do receive a citation, you can request a follow-up informal conference to review other information you may wish or to discuss an informal settlement. Typically, you will have 15 working days following the citation to file a notice of contest.

If you haven't had the pleasure of an OSHA inspection yet, you may also want to consider a mock audit by a certified industrial hygienist and/or certified safety professional. Your best defense for an OSHA inspection is to identify your regulatory needs and come into compliance before OSHA arrives at your doorstep. If any thing, it is a good checkup on your programs and compliance efforts. Work well and be safe.

Roger Francoeur, president of RPF Associates, Inc., has been providing EH&S consulting and testing services throughout New England since 1986. RPF Associates, Inc. provides EH&S consulting, laboratory, and testing services. The RPF training center specializes in EH&S seminars and courses throughout New England. Email Roger at rogerf@airpf.com for more information.

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Be Aware of Indoor Air Quality in Construction

The clocks have been turned back, we leave work after the sun has gone down and the cost of heating our buildings is growing. Along with these changes routinely come building occupant complaints on poor indoor air quality (IAQ). In many cases the complaints are triggered by a perceived change in temperature, airflow, humidity or dryness in the air. As such, many of these complaints can be prevented or corrected with pre-planning. When a building manager receives a cluster of complaints without a clear cause the term "Sick Building Syndrome" is applied. Construction and renovation projects can also lead to IAQ complaints and can be the easiest to deal with if dealt with in advance. A lack of pre-planning or anticipation of the impact a renovation project can have on the IAQ of a building was seen with several recent high profile projects. In addition, some buildings were closed due to renovation related impacts on IAQ. The general overview below may help to shed some light on some basic IAQ issues.

IAQ problems and their causative agents can be characterized into one five types of problems.

System Changes - season changes in a buildings ventilation may change the quality and quantity of air delivered into an area;

Perception - situations where there is no factual change, conditions have not been made worse but look different. In many IAQ investigations the psychological issues have to be addressed including changes in locations, changes in work patterns, moving of occupants from one office to another. A person talks to another, who talks to yet another and all of a sudden a whole group of employees or occupants have the same symptoms.

Contamination: Building Related - water damaged ceilings, carpets and walls leading to microbiological growth including mold and bacteria; asbestos containing building materials damaged by occupants; and radon.

Contamination: Occupant Related - office products, cleaning compounds, air fresheners, humidifiers, dry cleaning solutions.

Contamination: Renovation - Construction Related - Construction dust; demolition debris; heavy equipment exhaust and fumes, paint and solvent vapors. Buzzwords from the media including asbestos, silica, lead and PCB's can stop a project in it tracks.

Pre-planning before HVAC changes, HVAC maintenance and building construction projects can help to prevent or minimize impacts on overall IAQ and the perception of poor IAQ. Often times, these simple preventative measures are less costly and burdensome than reactive firefighting, such as shut downs, extensive IAQ testing and emergency evaluations. Consult with you project design team and in house facilities engineers to decide how best to consider IAQ proactively. In many cases, a certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional can perform a preliminary assessment and provide valuable insight for design planning.

Dennis N. Francoeur, CIH, CSP, Principal of RPF Associates, Inc., has been providing EH&S consulting and testing services throughout New England since 1984. RPF Associates, Inc. provides EH&S consulting, laboratory, and testing services. The RPF training center specializes in EH&S seminars and courses throughout New England.

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Recently, however, New Hampshire RSA 141:E was revised in order to address another type of asbestos problem, asbestos at waste disposal sites throughout the state. As a result of this, the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is currently revising their administration rules for asbestos. Before you write this off thinking that you don't do that kind of work, take note of all of the "free fill' that asbestos manufactures gladly gave away to folks just for the asking. This is particularly true in areas around the former Johns-Manville plant in the Nashua and Hudson areas. Other locations with former asbestos manufacturers plants in the State include Meredith and Tilton. It is not uncommon to find yards upon yards of asbestos fill in backyards or even whole dumpsites beneath parking lots. Under the changes, these locations are considered asbestos disposal sites. There are several reasons for the State statute changes, primarily to help align the vast EPA requirements under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants with the needs of the more common land use issues and everyday home owner unfortunate enough to have asbestos buried in their back yard.

In revising the rules, the State has tried to distinguish between standard asbestos abatement activity (for example during construction or renovation) and disturbance of asbestos at these asbestos disposal sites. The trick will be coming up with something that addressed activities ranging from a landscaper installing a fence post to the other extreme, a major excavation or closure of 100 yards or more of friable asbestos fill. There are training requirements, there are licensing requirements, and there are work procedure requirements. Of course, one cannot forget about the other federal requirements such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In addition to the administrative rules, the State currently has programs to help property owners manage sites where asbestos-manufacturing waste is known or likely to be present. The program, administered through the NH DES in cooperation with NH DHHS, addresses site identification, remedial measures, and best management practices.

For a quick refresher . . . . asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that exhibits substantial resistance to heat and chemicals. Because of its properties, asbestos has been used for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes (yes, even some products still today). In fact, asbestos has been used in more than 3,000 products, including many building construction materials. On the down side, the results of extensive epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that inhalation of asbestos fibers may lead to increased risk of developing one or more diseases. The adverse health effects associated with asbestos exposure lead to several federal regulations in the early 1970s.

Keep your eyes open for further information as the administrative rules are revised. Keep your eyes open, too, if you happen to be digging in the areas with possible "free fill".

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Dr. Evelina Vaughan has joined RPF Associates, Inc. as an Indoor Air Quality Scientist

Northwood NH, July 18, 2005: RPF Associates, Inc., (RPF) an environmental health and safety consulting and testing firm, recently employed Dr. Evelina Vaughan, Air Quality Consultant and Risk Assessment Specialist to extend their professional services in the area of Human Health & Environmental Risk Assessment and Indoor Air Quality throughout New England. Ms. Vaughan, a Maine resident, holds a doctoral degree in Environmental Health and MS degrees in Industrial Hygiene and Civil Engineering. She has extensive experience with private consulting companies and also has worked as a regulator in state and federal programs.

With offices in Northwood, NH and Amesbury, MA, RPF provides indoor air quality assessments; hazardous material testing; mold assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance services; and site inspections for asbestos, lead-based paint, and other environmental hazards throughout northern New England. In addition, the RPF professional development group provides corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England.

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The Safety and Health Council of New Hampshire was founded in 1971 while the Maine Safety Council was founded in 1972.

Dennis Francoeur CIH CSP Principal with RPF Associates Inc. has served on the Board of Directors of the SHCNH for the past several years with the last 13 months in the role of President. Dennis served a key role in the transitional committee which worked to merge the two organizations into one, with the goal of improving the safety and health of workers and the public in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. Dennis was elected to serve on the new Board of Directors for the Safety and Health Council of Northern New England for the next 18 months.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

RPF Info and SHCNH.org web site.

RPF, with offices in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, provides indoor air quality assessments; mold testing and assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance services; and site inspections for asbestos, lead-based paint, and other environmental hazards. In addition, the RPF professional development group provides corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England. Visit their web site at www.airpf.com, email at inform@airpf.com, or call 1-888 SAFE AIR for more information and upcoming course schedules.

Email at dennisf@airpf.com, or call 1-888 SAFE AIR for more information.

(CD -NEED TO INCLUDE MA ADDRESS AND NUMBER IN HEADER CONTACT BOX TOO)

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RPF provides indoor air quality assessments; mold testing and assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance services; and site inspections for asbestos, lead-based paint, and other environmental hazards. In addition, the RPF professional development group provides corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England. Training programs are provided at client sites throughout New England and at the RPF Training Center.

Email at inform@airpf.com, or call 1-888 SAFE AIR for more information and upcoming course schedules.

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Lee, New Hampshire, September 12, 2001 - RPF Associates, Inc., (RPF) an environmental health and safety (EH&S) consulting and testing firm based in Lee, New Hampshire, is celebrating their 10-year anniversary. RPF provides indoor air quality assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA regulatory compliance services; and site inspections for asbestos, lead, and other environmental hazards. In addition, the RPF professional development group provides corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England. Training programs are provided at client sites throughout New England and at the RPF Training Center.

RPF was formed in 1991 by Roger Francoeur, Principal at RPF. Roger was then joined by his brother Dennis N. Francoeur, Jr., CIH, CSP. Both Roger and Dennis have over 34 years of combined experience in the environmental health and safety field. In 1998, Roger was appointed by Governor Jeanne Shaheen to the State of New Hampshire Asbestos Abatement Advisory Committee. Dennis has served on the board of directors for the Health and Safety Council of NH and is a member of the ConsultSig Committee of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. The company's employees include several industrial hygiene technicians, certified safety professional, certified industrial hygienist, environmental health and safety instructors, and licensed asbestos and lead inspectors. Recent growth has been steady for the indoor air quality services, corporate safety, and EH&S training services. In particular, with the heightened awareness and public focus on indoor air quality, including mold and bacteria concerns in homes, workplaces, and schools RPF is experiencing a significant increase in requests for indoor air assessments and analysis. Since 1991, RPF has continued to prosper and looks forward to continued growth.

This year, RPF has completed several inspections and assessment for large-scale renovations at schools, hospitals, municipalities, and industrial sites in the New England area. Professional development contracts in progress or recently completed include programs for the U.S Coast Guard, Massachusetts Water Resource Authority, and the University of New Hampshire.

Lee, New Hampshire, May 21, 2001 - RPF Associates, Inc., an environmental health and safety (EH&S) consulting and testing firm, is proud to announce that Kara Haley recently joined their staff. Ms. Haley will be working as an EH&S Specialist providing industrial hygiene, safety, indoor air quality, and asbestos testing and consulting services throughout New England.

Ms. Haley, received a B.S. from Keene State College is Business Management and Safety Studies. Ms. Haley was the recipient of several leadership awards at Keene State College and also served as Vice President of the American Society of Safety Engineers Keene State College Student Section.

RPF Associates, Inc. specializes in providing indoor air quality assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA compliance services; site inspections for asbestos, lead, and other environmental hazards; and corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England.

Lee, New Hampshire, March 28, 2001 - Dennis Francoeur Jr. CIH CSP, Principal of RPF Associates Inc., attended a Leadership Conference on March 23 - 25, 2001 hosted by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) located in Fairfax, Virginia. Dennis is the Vice Chairman of the Consult Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AIHA. The three-day leadership conference was held to familiarize the leaders of the various operating sections of the AIHA, with the AIHA's Board of Directors, staff members and operational issues. Approximately 30% of the AIHA's 12,500 members nationwide are industrial hygiene consultants and the Consult SIG represents their interests including educational services, communication, regulatory issues and promoting the profession of industrial hygiene consulting. Industrial hygiene is the science and art of anticipating, recognizing, evaluating and controlling health hazards present in occupational settings and the environment. Consultants may practice in a variety of specialties including construction, silica, lead, asbestos, manufacturing, chemical exposures, indoor air quality (IAQ), ergonomics and OSHA compliance.

RPF Associates, Inc. specializes in providing indoor air quality assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA compliance services; site inspections for asbestos, lead, and other environmental hazards; and corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England.

Lee, New Hampshire, August 15, 2000 - Dennis Francoeur Jr., Principal of RPF Associates, Inc. was elected as Vice Chairman of the Consultants Special Interest Group (Consult SIG) at the American Industrial Hygiene Association annual convention in Orlando, Florida. The Consult SIG represents the needs of approximately 30% the AIHA's 13,000 national members. Industrial hygiene is the science and art of anticipation, recognition, evaluation and control of occupational and environmental health hazards. As a certified industrial hygienist and certified safety professional, Dennis has been providing safety and health consulting services to clients in New England since 1985. Dennis has been serving as the Secretary of the Consult SIG and is also on the Board of Directors for the New Hampshire Safety and Health Council, which promotes safety throughout New Hampshire. RPF Associates, Inc. specializes in providing indoor air quality assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA compliance services; site inspections for asbestos, lead, and other environmental hazards; and corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England.

Lee, New Hampshire, May 22, 2000 - RPF Associates, Inc. has been selected to provide the 2000 Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training for all NH DOT district personnel. The training will be held throughout the various State district locations. RPF is also now providing customized emergency response training for the Mass Water Resource Authority. The MWRA training will provide personnel with the expertise to respond to spills of treatment chemicals thereby preventing health and safety issues and environmental impact. RPF Associates, Inc. specialize in providing indoor air quality assessments; construction safety; OSHA and EPA compliance services; site inspections for asbestos, lead, and other environmental hazards; and corporate health and safety training programs for clients throughout New England.

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