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: May 30 and 31, and June 5, 6, and 8, 2023
A plumbing leak was reported. The leak had been isolated prior to the Office of the Environment arriving. Building Maintenance (Plumbing) was aware of the leak, but it had not yet been repaired.
Elevated moisture was detected in the casework adjoining the storage closet wall, as well as casework within the storage closet. The cove base was removed from these areas and holes were drilled to facilitate drying (fans and dehumidifiers placed).
Elevated moisture was detected in the drywall between the storage closet and classroom. A section of drywall was removed from the storage closet to assess the wall cavity, and to facilitate drying of the drywall located on the opposite side (not accessible from art room without removing the casework).
Drying was reassessed on May 31. Elevated moisture was still detected in the kickplates of the casework.
Due to staffing, Building Maintenance was to check the area on June 2nd and re-adjust equipment accordingly.
The Office of the Environment checked the area on June 5th. An area of elevated moisture was identified in approximately one linear foot of casework in the classroom area. A laminated portion of the casework was not removed from this area, resulting in a vapor barrier, causing reduced evaporation. The laminate was removed and fans adjusted accordingly. An additional two linear foot section of casework in the storage closet was found to have slightly elevated moisture (significantly reduced from original assessment). A fan was re-adjusted to force air directly onto this area.
On June 6, the closet area was reassessed. No elevated moisture was detected in this area. Elevated moisture was detected in the one-two linear foot section within the classroom.
On June 8, the classroom was reassessed. The fans and dehumidifier were removed prematurely. Another fan and a heater was placed and drying efforts continued over the weekend with equipment removed on the 12th.
The following response actions were completed to prevent microbial growth/shift in fungal ecology.