BILL REQ. #:  H-4757.2 

Read first time 01/23/08.   Referred to Committee on Select Committee on Environmental Health.

     AN ACT Relating to evaluating environmental health conditions in state office buildings; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that the indoor environmental quality of the office setting is of growing concern due to the potential health effects of an increasing number of chemicals found in today's office environment, biological contaminants, and the trend toward less fresh air exchange to facilitate energy conservation. 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.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) To help ensure that emerging and existing solutions to minimize the potential for adverse health effects are taken into consideration for the construction, remodeling, occupancy, and ongoing maintenance of state office buildings, the department of health shall 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.
     (2) The secretary of health shall establish the work group and include representatives from: The department of general administration; the department of labor and industries; the state building code council; agency representatives of small, mid-size, and large facilities; state employee unions; industry representatives; and other stakeholders as deemed appropriate by the department of health.
     (3) The work group shall 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.
     (4) In carrying out its assignment, the work group shall include, but not be limited to, the following indoor environmental quality considerations:
     (a) Regulatory and research information:
     (i) State and local building codes compared to the industry standard;
     (ii) Agency policies and procedures;
     (iii) Research findings; and
     (iv) Monitoring data.
     (b) Contaminants and contaminant sources:
     (i) Biological, chemical, and inorganic contaminants;
     (ii) Mold and mildew;
     (iii) Construction materials;
     (iv) Paint;
     (v) Floor, ceiling, and wall coverings;
     (vi) Adhesives and sealants;
     (vii) Cleaning products and disinfectants;
     (viii) Appliances;
     (ix) Smoke and combustion;
     (x) Indoor pesticides and fertilizers;
     (xi) Fragrances; and
     (xii) Synergistic effects.
     (c) Physical factors;
     (i) Temperature and relative humidity conditions;
     (ii) Lighting levels;
     (iii) Noise levels;
     (iv) White noise intended to dampen voices, echoes, and distractions in interior spaces;
     (v) Vibrations;
     (vi) Surface absorption of air pollutants;
     (vii) Individual work space proximity to copy and printing machines;
     (viii) Ergonomic conditions;
     (ix) The design of the work place environment and its potential to exacerbate job-related psychological-social health stressors, both at the macro and individual work space level;
     (x) Electromagnetic fields; and
     (xi) Paths of travel.
     (d) Mitigation measures:
     (i) Fresh air exchange;
     (ii) Air filter quality and replacement frequency;
     (iii) Ability of the employee to control individual work station temperature, lighting, air flow, and to turn off and on office equipment and computers;
     (iv) Cleaning methods;
     (v) Occupant education in indoor environmental quality policies;
     (vi) Designated cleaner air rooms; and
     (vii) Clean air symbol and conditions of use labeling.
     (e) Cost.
     (5) Recommendations may include statutory or regulatory changes, incentives, and other approaches. Recommendations must be presented in a report to the governor and to the legislature by December 1, 2008.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The department of health shall conduct a 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. 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.
     (2) The department of health shall 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 department of health, not satisfactory for drinking.
     (3) Savings from the reduced purchase of bottled drinking water by state agencies must be directed toward funding this act.