Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Select Committee on Environmental Health

HB 3167

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Evaluating environmental health conditions in state office buildings.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunt, Campbell, Hudgins, Dickerson, Chase, Williams and McIntire.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires the Department of Health (DOH) to convene and chair a work group to study approaches and techniques that are effective at minimizing the potential for adverse environmental health effects on occupants of state office buildings with recommendations to be presented
  • Requires the DOH to conduct an indoor environmental quality study of at least two state-owned office buildings and at least one privately-owned office building leased by the state in the Olympia area.
  • Requires the DOH to test drinking water in all state office buildings to ensure that drinking water is of drinkable quality and taste.
  • Allows the purchase of bottled water by state agencies only if the drinking water in their facilities is, according to the DOH, not satisfactory for drinking.

Hearing Date: 1/30/08

Staff: Brad Avy (786-7289).

Background:

In the office setting there are an increasing number of chemicals in addition to biological contaminants that can affect the health of individuals working in the indoor environment.

Indoor contaminants may include radon, asbestos, volatile organic chemicals; combustion byproducts including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide; metals and gases including lead, chlorine, and ozone; respirable particles, and other contaminants.

In some circumstances, exposure to these substances may cause adverse health effects, including respiratory illnesses, multiple chemical sensitivities, skin and eye irritations, headaches, and other related symptoms.

Summary of Bill:

The DOH must convene and chair a work group to study approaches and techniques that are effective at minimizing the potential for adverse environmental health effects on occupants of state office buildings.

The Secretary of the DOH must establish the work group and include representatives from the:

The work group must make recommendations to the Legislature on practical and cost-effective opportunities to minimize the potential for adverse environmental health effects on building occupants of state-owned and leased office buildings related to building construction, remodeling, occupancy, and ongoing maintenance.

The definition of "state office building" includes workplace settings such as office building cafeterias, copy rooms, public school chemistry classrooms and laboratories, workout rooms, restrooms, teachers' lounges, snack areas, lunchrooms, and similar work places where building occupants have routine access.

In carrying out its assignment, the work group must include a wide range of environmental quality considerations.

Recommendations must be presented in a report to the Governor and to the Legislature by December 1, 2008.

The DOH must also conduct a study in the Olympia area of at least two state-owned office buildings and at least one privately owned office building leased by the state. The purpose of the study is to measure and monitor air, water, and general building conditions as they relate to environmental hazards that negatively impact working conditions.

The DOH must test drinking water in all state office buildings to ensure that drinking water is of drinkable quality and taste.

State agencies may only purchase bottled water if the drinking water in their facilities is, according to the DOH, not satisfactory for drinking.

Savings from the reduced purchase of bottled drinking water by state agencies must be directed toward funding this act.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2008.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.