The room experienced flooding from a pipe in the hallway 12 or 13 years ago (when I was assigned to this room before), which drained to 3 classrooms along this wing, with the greatest depth of water in this classroom. Fans were brought in to dry the rug, but the smell continued, even after the carpet was replaced school-wide a few years later. I don't know if the current smell dates back to that water damage, but the room definitely has an odor.
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(s) of Assessment: May 31, 2019
A faint carpet odor was present during the site visit (early morning hours, prior to school starting).
Temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide readings were acceptable.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
A thermal infrared screening was conducted and no thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were observed.
No mold growth was observed.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were acceptable.
The unit ventilator was inspected and was acceptable. However, the outdoor air dampers could not be inspected.
A data logger was placed in the room from June 13 to July 16, 2019 to record temperature and relative humidity within the room to see if any trends that may influence an odor. The temperature and humidity levels appeared to fluctuate normally. No extended periods of high humidity were observed in the trends.
Building Services (HVAC) is to check the operation of the outside air dampers. If the outdoor air dampers are not functioning properly, nuisance odors (such as carpet odors and body odors) will increase within the space due to lack of dilution.