Concern: Patuxent Valley Middle School: April 14th, 2022 (CXPVMS202200021A)

Location
Tech Ed Production's Large Storage Room
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Mold growth observed on wood cabinets and a piano when performing the school's annual IEQ general assessment.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Dates of Assessment:  April 13 and 20, 2022

On April 13, the Office of Environment observed mold growth on the wood case work and a piano stored in the technology production storage room.  Mold growth was determined to be associated with being stored in an environment experiencing extended elevated relative humidity (likely during the summer).  It could not be determined at the time, if the mold growth occurred in this storage room or elsewhere (temporary storage during a recent renovation).

The storage room has a door to the classroom and double doors to the exterior.  The exterior doors close tightly with a some daylight (minor) at the bottom where the two doors join.  As for ventilation, there is an exhaust fan triggered to come on when the air temperature is over 80 degrees, ceiling mounted heating unit, and an air transfer grille in the wall between the classroom and storage.

On April 20, the Office of Environment reviewed cleaning / disinfecting project with a restoration contractor.  The exposed surfaces were to be disinfected and vacuumed (High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter).  The work was completed on April 25.  Once cleaned, the school was to have Warehouse remove items since they are no longer planned to be used by the school.

Corrective Actions
May 4th, 2022

The Office of Environment will place a data logger over the warmer months to collect temperature, relative humidity, and dew point trends in an attempt to determine the cause.

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXPVMS202200021A