An indoor air quality investigation within a central city daycare by a local public health agency; Emerging trends and challenges for environmental health

During 2011, the City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD) conducted an environmental investigation and communicated health risks related to indoor air quality at a City of Milwaukee central city child daycare facility. The work was conducted in cooperation with the State of Wisconsin Division of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and involved indoor air quality (IAQ). The investigation assessed volatile organic compounds from the building occupied by the daycare related to the WDNR's investigation of an active dry cleaner operation located directly next door and connected through common building infrastructure. Several rounds of indoor air sampling were conducted over a 6-month period to characterize exposure to daycare staff and clients, along with other occupants of the multi-story building. The IAQ results revealed several chemical contaminants, some related to the drycleaner operation, as well as other potential sources including building material and previous soil and groundwater contamination. The cooperative efforts of both the DPH and WNDR assisted the MHD in interpreting the IAQ results, reviewing regulatory and toxicological literature and establishing public health risk thresholds. Risk communication was initiated by the MHD and DPH to the building occupants and clientele concerning all IAQ results. In addition, the MHD along with the DPH and WNDR evaluated dry cleaner remediation efforts throughout the investigation prior to initiating enforcement action. Given the increasing need for affordable childcare in many communities, daycares operations are increasing in number and often do not include consideration of environmental threats. Zoning and occupancy permits related to daycare operations should include a public health risk assessment or similar review prior to approval to prevent similar incident as described in this case study. These types of investigations are costly and time-consuming and potentially create a long-term health risk to daycare staff and children alike.