Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Best Practices Environmental Sampling for Outdoor Air Quality: Pre-Sampling Considerations: Determine the purpose and objectives of the sampling event. Review background information and historical data for the sampling site. Identify potential sources of air pollutants and evaluate meteorological conditions. Select appropriate sampling methods and equipment based on the target pollutants. Sampling Site Selection and Preparation: Choose a sampling site that meets the site selection criteria outlined in the document. Prepare a site sketch and document site conditions and potential interferences. Establish a suitable upwind background location for background sampling, if required. Set up the sampling equipment and ensure proper operation and calibration. Sampling Methods and Procedures: Ambient air sampling can be conducted using various methods, including: Integrated sampling (e.g., High-Volume [HV] samplers, Particulate Matter [PM] samplers) Continuous sampling (e.g., continuous emission monitors) Grab/Direct sampling (e.g., Summa canisters, Tedlar bags) Follow the specific procedures outlined for each sampling method, including flow rate adjustments, leak checks, and quality control measures. Properly handle, preserve, and label the collected samples. Documentation and Quality Assurance/Quality Control: Maintain detailed field notes and sampling logs. Document site conditions, weather data, and any deviations from standard procedures. Collect and analyze field blanks, trip blanks, and other quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) samples as required. Ensure proper chain of custody procedures for sample handling and transport. Post-Sampling Activities: Properly decontaminate and store sampling equipment. Package and ship samples to the analytical laboratory following appropriate protocols. Review and validate the sampling data, considering QA/QC results. Interpret the data and prepare a comprehensive report summarizing the sampling event and findings. Sample Analysis Analyze sampling results from various environmental sources against baseline results and/or preexisting standards. Exposure Guidelines Provide recommendations on exposure guidelines and health risks presented by indoor and outdoor air quality. Assessment for Reentry and Re-Occupancy 1. Evaluate the building structure to determine whether it is safe to enter or use the structure. 2. Ensure the building is connected to utility infrastructure. 3. Inspect the structure’s interior to determine which materials, furnishings, and items can be salvaged or need to be replaced or disposed of. 4. Provide clearance of the building for reentry or re-occupancy based on sampling and assessment of environmental media.
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