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​How Does the Decommissioning Program Protect the NIH?

​​Decommissioning is the process by which the NIH properly vacates, surveys and decontaminates facilities targeted for closure or renovation. Completing the decommissioning process is a vital preventative measure to protect against human exposure to hazardous substances, environmental contamination and regulatory violations. The NIH faces increased risk in these areas due to the potential hazardous materials used to construct older buildings and the potential for contamination from research activities. For these reasons, decommissioning is a necessary aspect of NIH operations.

The Decommissioning program is primarily concerned with properly identifying and removing hazardous materials covered by a variety of regulatory acts, such as the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA), the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and many more. The most common subjects are asbestos, mercury, lead and lead-based paint, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Asbestos was a highly desired construction material before 1980 due to its fiber strength and heat resistant properties, which led to its use as insulation and as a fire retardant.¹ When the material is disturbed and inhaled, asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.¹ Mercury contamination is commonly seen from accidentally releasing it from a compact fluorescent light bulb, an old thermometer, manometer, or certain pieces of research instrumentation. Mercury vapor is toxic, as outlined in this previous newsletter article​, and can cause further contamination if introduced to the sanitary sewer. Lead-based paint had widespread use through 1960 and reduced use until its ban in 1978.² Chipping and peeling paint present an exposure risk and often lead-based paint is covered by additional paint layers that make it harder to detect. Lead exposure has been linked to brain and nervous system diseases, especially in children.³ PCBs are a class of organic compounds that saw a wide range of industrial and commercial applications until their ban in 1979.⁴ Exposure to these long-lasting compounds is linked to cancer and a variety of diseases to the immune, reproductive, nervous and endocrine systems.⁴

Decommissioning typically begins with a preliminary assessment of contaminants to identify potential hazards that may exist. This includes looking at past and current research activity, records of hazardous substances that were used or stored, spill records from the NIH Fire Department, facility drawings, and more. Once the potential hazards are established, physical surveys are conducted to identify facility-intrinsic and research-related contaminants that may be present. Sampling is conducted in a variety of methods to confirm whether hazardous substances are indeed present. If hazards are found, the identified hazards are abated/remediated using the required procedures. The final phase is to verify the effectiveness of the decontamination.

To explore the decommissioning process further, we’ll look at a current example using the Phoenix Indian Medical Center (PIMC) on the Phoenix, Arizona site. After decades of use, NIDDK has decided to vacate the leased space to pursue opportunities in a new location. Based on the age of the building, the preliminary assessment of contaminants identified asbestos as a potential material included during construction. Surveys of the building identified some holes in the walls and floors, ranging from small incisions for wall pictures and whiteboards to larger holes for compactus anchor points and wall-mounted shelving, which will require minor restorations. During the restoration, there is an increased chance of disturbing any asbestos that may be present. Testing was performed to identify whether asbestos is present in these areas. This was done by extracting surface samples across a grid system and then sending the samples to an accredited lab to be analyzed. The results, once received, will be compared across the grid system to determine whether encapsulation (sealing off) or abatement (total removal) is needed for any asbestos that is found. 

As the current occupants of space at NIH-owned or operated facilities, many of us may play a vital role in the future for a space that is decommissioned. The current users are often the best source of information regarding the materials used, the research activities that were conducted or the maintenance activities that were completed within a space. It is essential that the decommissioning team have an opportunity to interview the current users of a space to be decommissioned while their knowledge is fresh and current. It is also helpful to maintain records of the activities conducted within the space you are using, particularly concerning hazardous substances or spills. By participating in the decommissioning process, we ensure any hazardous materials are handled and disposed properly. Please notify the Decommissioning program at depdecom@nih.gov if you need to initiate the decommissioning process.

​Spotlight                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

​	​Decommissioning with Jake Deal​ ​​Jake Deal is the Remediation Team Lead in the Environmental Compliance Branch of the Division of Environmental Protection. He specializes in decommissioning projects, which aim to properly prepare NIH facilities targeted for closure or renovation.​ LEA​RN MORE​​​​

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​Decommissioning Tips for Lab Moves​ ​ ​At the NIH, research is always changing and improving. This constant state of improvement is why it is critically important to understand what is required for the decommissioning process.​ Following these five tips will make the decommissioning process as smooth as possible for your vacated space.​​ ​​LEARN MORE​​​​

NEMS Training                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
Did you know? ​​Decommissioning projects can range in size from a single room to an entire building. To learn more about decommissioning at the NIH, please visit the NEMS T​raining webpage to view a short (20 minute) NIH environmental awareness training video.