Identify deficiencies that may impact IEQ and/or sources of odor concerns. Typically includes the following depending on the nature of concern, but not limited to:
- interview/questionnaire of concern individual(s)
- inspection above drop ceiling (condition of roof deck, pipe insulation, return air plenum)
- inspection of ventilation system (operation of variable air volume box and outdoor air dampers, check controls, measurements of carbon dioxide, temperature and relative humidity, sources near outdoor air intake, measure return and supply air volume, cleanliness of coils, liner and condensate pan)
- inspection of exterior
- inspection below drop ceiling (housekeeping, sink and floor drain traps, signs of past and present moisture concern via visual and/or moisture meter, mold growth, ensure connection of current and capping of abandoned sanitary vents, odorizers, excessive plants and fabric items, identify potential pathways, and measure volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and lighting)
Date of Assessment: November 20, 2018
The storage closet in activity room (219) consists of three exterior brick and cement block walls (CMU).
No signs of moisture intrusion (mineral salts, blistering paint) were observed on CMU walls.
No mold growth was found on other surfaces inspected within the storage closet.
The large gym mats are stacked along / against an exterior wall. The Office of the Environment provided instructions for custodial to clean the mats when the IEQ concern was initially placed.
Growth based on the photographs provided appear to be relative humidity related. In addition, based on historical findings elsewhere, storing mats against exterior CMU walls may allow for mold growth due thermal differences of surfaces and normal passive migration of moisture / water vapor through the exterior wall (porous materials) and vinyl from mats acting as a vapor barrier.
The summer of 2018 was unusual. The extremely moist/humid weather pattern may have contributed to the mold growth.
Custodial was instructed to clean/disinfect the mats and vacuum them with a vacuum equipped with a High Efficiency Particulate (HEPA) air filter.
School administration is to inform staff to clean and dry mats at the end of the school year at minimum. This may reduce the potential for mold growth.
School administration is to inform staff to store mats along the interior wall of the storage closet in 219 or the interior storage closet within the gym.
School administration is to inform staff to inspect mats at the start of the school year. If mold growth is found, submit an IEQ concern form.