Tampa, October 10, 2001

One of the recurring themes often depicted in the movies and on television has been rendering an entire group of people helpless by releasing a canister of deadly germs into the HVAC system of a building. Now that terrorism has struck at the heart of our country the vulnerability of the U.N, the Capital and large business facilities and even our own homes becomes all too real. What can we do to protect ourselves? BBJ Environmental Solutions, Inc. (OTCBB:BBJE - news) offers guidelines to bio-terrorism and HVAC systems.

There are a number of ways for biological warfare to be inflicted upon us as well as the risks are different for each. Missiles could be launched from great distances and open high in the air, scattering organisms over a wide area. Fogging devices could be mounted on a truck. Airplanes, such as crop dusters as well as HVAC systems can be used to spread voracious killers.

"As we have learned, anything is possible and it is best for us to be on guard. On one hand, there is good news," stated Dr. Robert Tardiff, a health risk analyst who dealt with these issues at EPA Health Effects Research Laboratory and now heads The Sapphire Group, a Health Science Risk Management firm in Bethesda, MD. "The delivery of deadly biological agents requires extremely complex technology that may be beyond the capacity of the mobile, loosely organized network that appears to be responsible for the current terror. The culturing, storage, and transportation of large quantities of disease causing organisms is far from simple. These terrorists may not have either the skills or capabilities to produce the needed organisms, contain them in such a manner that they do not infect themselves as well as be able to deliver them effectively. However, the risk remains real".

"If we assume the organisms are available in sufficient quantities and can be transported, air delivery systems are one of the most effective ways to spread these deadly organisms. At BBJ Environmental Solutions, we have studied infection control extensively in order to minimize the number of infections spread in health care facilities and food processing plants and are well aware that airborne organisms can pose a significant risk," says Robert Baker, Chairman and CEO. "In addition, there are numerous people involved in indoor air quality business from HVAC contractors to maintenance and facility managers to environmental engineers and industrial hygienists. Clearly this can lead to a security risk as to who has access and ultimate responsibility for these systems."

Protecting the HVAC System

The first line of protection is building security. Since a release into the actual air handling equipment would be much more efficient, equipment rooms must be kept secured. Good general security for visitors as well as building occupants is essential. Persons assigned to maintain these systems should be made known to the security personnel and maintenance should be scheduled and documented. Many outside air intakes are not readily accessible and, therefore, are less likely to a direct release. Where such intakes are at ground level, consideration should be given to securing these or providing surveillance. Persons loitering near inlets should be removed or carefully watched.

Even if a direct release were made into the air inlet to a building, a properly designed system configuration would provide some protection. In such a system, air is filtered prior to being released into the building air stream. The most efficient filters should be installed and maintained properly. Although small particles such as viruses and many bacteria will pass through even the most efficient filters, many will be removed, thus reducing risk. Of course, the best protection would be to install a rapid detection system.

It is important to routinely clean and maintain the HVAC system to prevent the buildup of organic material on the cooling coils and other moist areas of the system. If a small concentration of bacteria managed to reach this area, they can feed on the organic material and amplify to a greater concentration.

Conclusion

Bio terrorism is a frightening possibility. Unfortunately, it is somewhat more likely in the light of recent events. HVAC systems are just one of the possible points of release of infectious materials. It is, however, one entry point over which we have some control.

If building managers suspect there has been a general release of biological material, they should stop movement of people to and from the building. Then stop all airflow -- shut off fans and blowers, air intakes, if possible, and close off all outside openings. Occupants should put a wet scarf or cloth over their mouth and nose and exit the building as soon as possible. Medical assistance should be called at once to assist those who may have been infected. Following the initial release of infective agents, the main risk will be exposure to infected persons. Controlling contact with other persons can limit spread of disease.

Immediately notify the local emergency management team, as they are the group responsible for these types of incidence as well as contact the proper local and federal authorities. The Center for Disease Control should be contacted as they are the central repository for information about biological agents and can provide assistance with the diagnosis, treatment and control of these dangerous organisms. After the building has been evacuated, all surfaces should be disinfected including those inside the HVAC system.

The Sapphire Group, Inc. is an international health science, integrated risk management firm providing consulting and comprehensive solutions on the safety of chemicals in commerce. The company's expertise includes air quality, drinking water, food additives covering such critical concerns as children's health, reproductive function and cancer causation. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Tardiff, 301-657-8008, rtg@thesapphiregroup.com.

BBJ Environmental Solutions, Inc. manufactures disinfectants, cleaning and anti-microbial products that control air contamination in HVAC and refrigeration systems of health care, commercial facilities and homes. BBJ products are biodegradable and easy-to-use. To learn more on how you can improve the healthfulness of your environment, safeguard yourself and your family from the hazards of indoor air pollution and enjoy the benefits from reduced energy bills, please find additional information at www.bbjenviro.com.