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As staff complaints continued, we discussed the situation and the testing results with the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security safety personnel as well as a pathologist from the University of Florida College of Medicine. Neither sources were able to correlate the complaints with the testing results. In September, 1989, Utility Services contracted with Enviropact, Inc. for additional tests. It is important to note that these tests were not conducted according to National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (NIOSH) protocols for air quality testing. Instead, the microbial testing method used sterile swabs to wipe ducts, vents, etc. and collected bulk samples of filters and ceiling -tiles. For indoor air quality testing, microbials should be measured in ambient air where they may be respired, not in filters which by their design trap such organisms or in ceiling tiles where microbials adhere, removing themselves from circulating air flow. Neither the field scientist nor her supervisor were Certified Industrial Hygienists. Nevertheless, their report was carefully reviewed by staff and the changes they recommended for increased fresh air intake, disinfection, replacement, etc. were completed by staff. Employee complaints of dors, respiratory irritations and headaches continued, with staff* follow-up on every occasion. In October, 1990, a third round of testing was conducted, this time by the Public Health Unit. Gases were found to be satisfactory and within exposure limits. Microbials were again within Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, with outside microbials over three times the level of indoor air. Once more, the recommendations for air conditioning maintenance and balance were followed up on by staff. In January, 1992, Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT), following NIOSH protocols and using a Certified Industrial Hygienist as its field representative, conducted written questionnaires of employees occupying the space, interviews, and sampling techniques, tested the area in response to ongoing complaints. In summary, these results confirmed earlier results, i.e., gases and microbials were within established acceptable limits. Preventive recommendations were made, staff followed up on them, and complaints continue. Based upon four tests within five years, we cannot find an objective, scientific reason to duplicate testing. In response to ongoing employee complaints, however, we suggest an additional round of tests, conducted by a Certified Industrial Hygienist following NIOSH protocols. Staff is currently obtaining, via facsimile, proposals/costs for such testing and will forward them to you as soon as possible. Mrs. Jordan recapped that staff's recommendation is to do an additional round of tests, conducted by a Certified Industrial Hygienist following NIOSH protocols. Chairman Bird suggested hiring a "house doctor," someone who is an expert in the field of sick buildings who would diagnose the problem and refer us to the best firm to solve that specific problem. PW AUG ®3 1993 ,. BOCK