Poisonous air at Customs

An indoor air-quality assessment conducted at the head office of the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) between September and December last year has found that several departments at Myers Wharf are the hosts of noxious fumes.

The revelation was made in a 184-page report prepared by Conrad Douglas and Associates Limited, a copy of which The Gleaner has obtained.

Twenty-two areas on the compound were assessed and a Google form questionnaire was administered to the occupants of each area.

Nine parameters of concern, which were not conducive to good indoor air quality, were raised in relation to the JCA’s head office, according to the document. The air quality was tested against international and national standards.

It said nitrogen dioxide was discovered in three areas – the valuation and verification unit, the office of the senior director for internal affairs, and post-clearance – with measurements that exceeded acceptable levels.

Nitrogen dioxide, or NO₂, is a highly poisonous gas that can decrease the lungs’ defences against bacteria, making them more susceptible to infections. It can also aggravate asthma.

The report also noted the presence of volatile organic compounds, gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. Some are harmful by themselves, including some that cause cancer.

In addition, some can react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air.

This was found to have exceeded what is normal in the valuation and verification unit as well as the collections and delinquency unit.

Fine particulate matter or PM2.5 also registered above normal in the JCA’s planning and research department. PM2.5 is responsible for nearly four million deaths globally from cardiopulmonary illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory infections, chronic lung disease, cancers, preterm births, and other illnesses.

Similarly, the measurements for carbon dioxide exceeded normal levels in 11 departments while temperature levels were in excess of acceptable levels in nine departments.

Mould and bacteria

Fungi and bacteria were discovered in two departments, while fungi were also discovered another department.

The report said the presence of fungi and/or bacteria on surfaces could be a normative occurrence arising from incidental environmental conditions or occupant activity.

It said the presence of mould and bacteria on a surface is not a definitive indicator for hazardous microbiological contamination. However, persons with hyper-sensitivities may be affected, especially depending on the general health of the individual.

“This may require sustained remedial actions and should be integrated into the management and maintenance regime and procedures for the JCA-Myer’s Wharf,” the document said.

Further, it said that short-duration exposure to high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide may aggravate respiratory diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Longer exposures may contribute to the development of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections, the report added.

Poor ventilation

From the questionnaire, occupants at the office complained of congestion; itchy, watery eyes ;runny nose, and sneezing.

“All four complaints above may be related to poor ventilation,” it said.

The report said that there was need to “immediately” address the valuation and verification department as well as the post-clearance audit unit as it relates to the possible infiltration and accumulation of criteria pollutants. It is not immediately clear how many people occupy these spaces.

It said that nitrogen dioxide readings were of concern as the peak NO₂ 15-minute average reading was more than twice the upper limit of the standard in both locations and 10 to 20 times the upper limit of the maximum one-hour standard.

There is also the potential for accumulation of the criteria pollutants due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide.

It was recommended that the air-conditioning system throughout the JCA be “immediately assessed” with the objective of improving the ventilation of the areas as carbon dioxide is a critical indicator of poor ventilation.

The JCA was also told that a rigorous system of scheduled maintenance for the AC system should be established.

Further assessment of the infiltration of nitrogen dioxide into the valuations and verification department and the post-clearance audit unit was also urged as “it is a major concern”.

The report said it was critical that the JCA determine the source of the nitrogen dioxide, and if possible, in the interim, relocate persons occupying these spaces.

Additionally, it noted an adjacent parking lot to the office that is believed to be contributing to poor air quality due to vehicular exhaust that could be entering the space.

It was further recommended that the air-conditioning units be serviced regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould and that contaminated surfaces be disinfected and a cleaning regime developed and implemented.

kimone.francis@gleanerjm.com