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: August 24, 2022
The mold growth was actually fungi growth from wood associated with backsplashes. The phone was near the fungi growth thus present on portions of phone cord and base.
The small backsplash across from the spigot was swollen. The backsplash was wet as determined via the use of a moisture meter (wood setting).
Upon removal of the backsplash mold growth was observed on backside and on cement block wall it was attached to. The wood had a strong musty odor associated with it once detached from the wall.
The wall was disinfected as best as possible, but staining remained. The backsplash was discarded. The phone was cleaned/disinfected.
Teaching and custodial staff indicated that the faucet is of a swivel type and students (kindergarten) turn the wrong way when the water runs, thus floods the counter space. In addition, the soap dispenser is above the impacted backsplash (dripping soap may impact backsplash over time to allow a void for flooding incidents to reach wood covered by a laminate). The school was used for summer school which it is assumed created the present finding.
Other similar sinks nearby were inspected for signs of water impacting the same piece of backsplash. A couple maybe be pulling off the wall, but dry per moisture meter.
Building Maintenance is to clean, refinish stained wall and attach new backsplash. In addition, the Office of Environment made some suggestions as to review other similar sinks in the school, change faucet from a swivel to a fixed position, and look at if location of soap dispenser has any association.