by Brianna Crandall — April 15, 2015—A recent article and Webinar from Pure Air Control Services warn of the health dangers that can be caused by bird droppings and feathers in and around facilities, particularly when the pathogens are spread through a building’s ductwork. The company also addresses damage that birds and their detritus can cause to HVAC components.
According to “The Human Health Dangers of Bird Droppings Associated with Building HVAC Systems,” transmissible bird diseases associated with pigeons, geese, starling and house sparrows include histoplasmosis, candidiasis, cryptococcosis, St. Louis encephalitis, salmonellosis and E. coli infection, some of which can be fatal.
Pure Air Control Services says that heating/ventilation/air-conditioning (HVAC) technicians, roofers and related professional should pay attention to the areas where outdoor air enters the HVAC system. They also should investigate accumulations of organic material in or near HVAC air intakes, rooftop heating and cooling units, where birds often nest.
Besides the dangers to building workers and occupants from contaminants affecting indoor air quality, food, and the water supply, the article describes the damage that birds can cause to an HVAC system’s fresh air intakes, filter banks, fan assemblies, evaporator coils, coil drain pans and AHU insulation.
The building scientists at Pure Air Control Services can provide more information on developing an effective environmental diagnosis and/or cleanup campaign for pigeon/bird fecal matter in and around facilities.
