268183 Use of remote monitoring and BIM integration to prevent unsafe mold and copper exposure due to copper pipe corrosion in buildings

Tuesday, October 30, 2012 : 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM

Joseph Hyman , Petohmi Homes, Petohmi, LLC, Baltimore, MD
Background: As over 80% of homes in America have copper pipe installed, concern regarding the number of copper pipe failures due to pitting corrosion is growing. Pinhole leaks from pitting corrosion cause unnoticed water damage in homes, leading to dampness and mold, which substantially increases the risk of Asthma and other respiratory illnesses over a lifetime. Prolonged exposure to copper contamination in drinking water from copper corrosion is being linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases. Current solutions to prevent copper pipe corrosion are insufficient in eliminating aggressive water conditions that cause corrosion (chemical additives, pH control) or impractical due to the difficulty of locating corroded pipes prior to failure (pipe replacement). Objective/Purpose: The objective is to demonstrate the use of remote sensors and BIM to prevent the public health threat from copper pipe corrosion. Methods: Using “smart” remote sensors on copper pipe, internal corrosion is remotely monitored, periodic data reports are delivered autonomously, and corroded pipes are remotely located on a BIM to facilitate preventative maintenance. Results: The use of remote monitoring and BIM to diagnose copper corrosion prevents the public health risk of mold and copper contamination from copper pipe corrosion. Discussion/Conclusion: Copper has long been the leading plumbing material because of its malleability and recyclability. By using a remote sensor that can be externally applied to copper pipe, the public health risk from copper corrosion is prevented, while installers can continue to benefit from the favorable characteristics of copper pipe.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Communication and informatics
Environmental health sciences
Other professions or practice related to public health

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe illnesses related to copper contamination in drinking water and mold growth in buildings that utilize copper water delivery systems 2. Discuss the benefits of remote sensor technology to measure or monitor a process or object 3. Compare the capability of current pipe corrosion solutions and the use of remote sensor technology to prevent or aide in the remediation mold growth.

Keywords: Disease Prevention, Drinking Water Quality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the prinicpal investigator for the research described in this presentation.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.