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)
Dates of Assessments: September 11, 12, 19, and 26 2023
Cafeteria
Temperature (68.1 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (63.0%), carbon dioxide (486 parts per million (ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm). Note, the temperature may be slightly low due to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) not running or just beginning to run (early morning assessment).
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
Various surfaces were assessed for mold growth. No visible mold growth was observed.
Above the drop ceiling was not accessible due to height.
Drywall was observed to be damaged near both sides of the stage. This can be an indicator of moisture, however no elevated moisture was detected. Areas of cove base were peeled back for visual assessment. No visible mold growth was observed behind the cove base.
Elevated moisture was detected in the drywall that adjoins the Custodial Office.
A data logger was placed in the space on September 12 and operated until September 19. The purpose of the data logger was to measure carbon dioxide (which is an indicator of sufficient outside air introduction). Carbon dioxide was not elevated (less than 1,200 ppm) during the monitoring period.
Custodial Office (Room 146)
Due to the elevated moisture detected in the adjoining Cafeteria, further assessment was conducted within the Custodial Office.
Elevated moisture was detected in the drywall in the custodial office as well (adjoining elevated drywall in cafeteria).
During assessment of the drywall, surficial mold growth was identified on drywall in the Custodial Office, directly next to a refrigerator. Several objects were stored against the wall in the location of the mold growth (between the wall and refrigerator). The mold growth was cleaned/disinfected upon discovery.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed, with specific attention to the area above the identified mold growth. No concerns such as additional mold growth, active leaks, water staining, or moldy/musty odors were identified above the drop ceiling.
The cause of the elevated moisture in the drywall and the visible mold growth was not determined.
The elevated drywall may have occurred due to excess water being used during cleaning actives. This moisture, may have elevated the humidity in the space and this, coupled with a lack of air flow along the wall (due to the proximity of the refrigerator to the wall and the objects (particularly a ladder) leaned directly against the wall) may have contributed to the mold growth.
Portions of wet drywall were removed to further assess the cause. No additional mold growth was identified on the backside of the removed drywall and no obvious indications of a leak within the wall cavity were identified.
Gymnasium
The temperature (71.7 F), relative humidity (62.4%), carbon dioxide (554 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable and expected for an early morning visit.
The bathrooms connected to the gymnasium were assessed for floor drains, which can introduce gases from the sewer if not properly charged with water. No floor drains were observed.
A floor drain was observed in the adjoining boiler room. The floor drain did have sufficient water to prevent sewer gas backflow.
Three supply ducts within the gymnasium are missing supply diffuser fins.
The space was scanned with a thermal infrared camera (particularly the roof deck). No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
No malodors were sensed.
Surfaces were assessed for visual mold growth. No visual mold growth was identified.
Minor dust deposits were observed on some of the gym mats. Disturbance of these could cause the dust to become airborne.
A data logger was placed in the space on September 12 and operated until September 19. The purpose of the data logger was to measure carbon dioxide (which is an indicator of sufficient outside air introduction). Carbon dioxide was not elevated during the monitoring period.
Room 116
Temperature (71.7 F), relative humidity (62.4%), carbon dioxide (554 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0-0.7 ppm) were acceptable for an early morning visit.
Due to the detection of carbon monoxide, various areas were screened within the space. The carbon monoxide reading eventually returned to 0.0 ppm.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No concerns were identified.
No elevated moisture was detected within the carpet or the drywall.
No visible mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identified within the space.
When entering the space (hallway outside and common area), a significant odor believed to be associated with an aerosol disinfectant was identified. Further assessment identified an aerosol disinfectant in a nearby room. These products are not permitted.
The room contains a sink. No leaks or elevated moisture was detected in the wooden kick-plates or back-splash.
The Office of the Environment collected supplemental carbon monoxide readings on September 26, 2023. No carbon monoxide was detected.
Additionally, a photoionization detector was used to screen for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (September 26 after the disinfectant had been removed). No VOCs were detected.
No concerns such as water staining, moldy/musty odors, active leaks, or visible mold growth were identified above the drop ceiling.
Media Center
The temperature (73.8 F), carbon dioxide (518 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable and expected for an early morning visit. Relative humidity (71.6%) was elevated.
No visible mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identified within the space.
No elevated moisture was detected within the carpet or the drywall.
The supply and return diffusers/vents were dusty (minor).
No concerns such as water staining, moldy/musty odors, active leaks, or visible mold growth were identified above the drop ceiling.
Room 123
The temperature (74.3 F), carbon dioxide (606 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0-0.1 ppm) readings were acceptable and expected for an early morning visit. Relative humidity (71.9%) was elevated.
No visible mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identified within the space.
No elevated moisture was detected within the carpet or the drywall.
This room is serviced by an individual ceiling-mounted Fan Coil Unit (FCU). The FCU was opened. No concerns were identified with the units filter (minor dust (expected). No visible mold growth was observed on the units diffuser fins.
No concerns such as water staining, moldy/musty odors, active leaks, or visible mold growth were identified above the drop ceiling.
A data logger was placed in the space on September 12 and operated until September 19. The purpose of the data logger was to measure carbon dioxide (which is an indicator of sufficient outside air introduction). Carbon dioxide was not elevated during the monitoring period.
Art Room
The temperature (71.9 F), relative humidity (61.5%), carbon dioxide (555 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable and expected for an early morning visit.
No visible mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identified within the space.
No elevated moisture was detected within the cabinet bases.
No concerns such as water staining, musty odors, active leaks, or visible mold growth were identified above the drop ceiling.
A data logger was placed in the space on September 12 and operated until September 19. The purpose of the data logger was to measure carbon dioxide (which is an indicator of sufficient outside air introduction). Carbon dioxide was slightly elevated during a few times during the monitoring period.
Portable 113
The temperature (71.4 F), relative humidity (56.3%), carbon dioxide (718 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) readings were acceptable.
Minor dust was observed on some instruments (piano and ukuleles).
No elevated moisture was detected in drywall, particularly in locations near the doors where leaks are more common.
No visible mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identified within the space.
Some rust was identified on the metal supply diffusers. This is an indication the supply diffusers may be overcooling at times (typically during the Summer).
At the time of the assessment, the fan and temperature settings for the thermostat were appropriate (i.e. not overcooling).
A data logger was placed in the space on September 12 and operated until September 19. Carbon dioxide was elevated at times during the assessment. This is not out of the ordinary for HCPSS portables. The space is equipped with a portable air purification unit to provide additional equivalent air changes.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Units
Roof Top Unit (RTU)-NW
The condensate drain was not connected (re-connected upon discovery).
The condensate pan had water in it. Building Maintenance (HVAC) was requested to assess the drain pan slope and to make sure the drain itself is not clogged.
The outside air dampers were open.
The filters were in place and recently replaced.
The outer filter was slightly wet (rained prior to assessment). The wet filter may have occurred when opening the door or may have occurred due to a leaking gasket at the door. Building Maintenance is to assess the gasket on the door as a precaution.
No concerns were identified with the coils.
RTU-KA
The filters were acceptable and had been recently replaced.
The outside air dampers were open.
The condensate pan had water. Building Maintenance (HVAC) was requested to assess the drain pan slope and to make sure the drain itself is not clogged.
No concerns were identified with the coils.
RTU-SW
The outside air dampers were open.
The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable.
RTU-MC
The outside air dampers were open.
The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable.
Gym
The outside air dampers were open.
The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable.
Cafeteria
The outside air dampers were open.
The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable.
In addition to the assessment the Office of the Environment performed, Building Maintenance (HVAC) is attempting to optimize aspects of the HVAC system to achieve improved temperature and relative humidity control. Further questions regarding this work should be directed to Building Maintenance (HVAC).
Conclusion
Given the concern described, carbon monoxide would be the primary contaminant for the Office of the Environment. Extremely low levels of carbon monoxide were detected. The readings were extremely low and were only sustained briefly (less than a minute). The low levels were only identified on the first day of the assessment and were not present on subsequent visits. Occasionally, low carbon monoxide spikes can occur due to vehicular traffic outside, especially during drop-off/pick-up. Carbon monoxide levels did not exceed one part per million (ppm) and were not sustained. For comparison purposes, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Permissible Exposure Limit is 35 ppm and the Environmental Protection Agency's National Ambient Air Quality Standard is 9 ppm.
The aerosol disinfectant represents a significant potential environmental source for the health concern noted as aerosol spray cleaners and disinfectants may contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These items are not permitted for this reason. Please see the following link for more information regarding VOCs: https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality#:~:text=Health%20effects%20may%20include%3A,kidney%20and%20central%20nervous%20system
A work order was created for Building Maintenance (Carpentry) to repair the drywall damage in the cafeteria.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) was informed of the missing diffuser fins in the gymnasium.
Administration was informed to have the staff member remove the aerosol disinfectant immediately as it is not permitted. Disinfectant wipes are acceptable.
Custodial Services was requested to dust/clean the gym mats within the gymnasium.
HVAC adjusted the outside air damper postiion for the Art Room.
The Office of the Environment cleaned/disinfected the mold impacted drywall within the Custodial Office upon discovery (September 11, 2023).
A board-approved restoration contractor removed portions of moisture impacted drywall on September 19, 2023. During the removal process, further assessment was completed within the wall cavity to determine a potential cause for the elevated moisture. No sings of a leak were identified within the wall cavity.
Since a cause was not identified, the Office of the Environments will reassess the space for mold/moisture as a precaution in October of 2023.
The outside air dampers for the HVAC unit serving the art room were adjusted to deliver additonal outdoor air to the space.
A work order was created for Building Maintenance to assess and address the cause of the rust on the supply diffuers in Portable 113. After the assessment, the diffusers are to be restored or replaced.
The vents within the Media Center was cleaned by Building Maintenance.