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: March ## and March 26, 2024
Room 163
No visible suspect mold growth was observed on building materials or furniture.
No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or casework (wood).
The sink area was assessed. No active plumbing leaks were identifed.
No significant leaks/flood events were reported.
One stained ceiling tile was observed.
Housekeeping practices were acceptable.
No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were detected.
Room 164
No visible suspect mold growth was observed on building materials or furniture.
No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or casework (wood).
The sink area was assessed. No active plumbing leaks were identifed.
Housekeeping practices were acceptable.
No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were detected.
No daylight was observed at the exterior door (daylight represents a pest/summer humidity concern/energy conservation concern).
No flaking/peeling paint indicative of a window or door leak was observed on the exterior wall.
No concerns (visible mold, odors, or active leaks) were observed above the drop ceiling.
One stained ceiling tile was observed.
An artificial flower was observed as well as stuffed animals.
Room 165
No visible suspect mold growth was observed on building materials or furniture.
No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or casework (wood).
The sink area was assessed. No active plumbing leaks were identifed.
Housekeeping practices were acceptable.
No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were detected.
No daylight was observed at the exterior door.
No flaking/peeling paint indicative of a window or door leak was observed on the exterior wall.
No concerns (visible mold, odors, or active leaks) were observed above the drop ceiling.
One stained ceiling tile was observed.
Room 166
No visible suspect mold growth was observed on building materials or furniture.
No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or casework (wood).
The sink area was assessed. No active plumbing leaks were identifed.
Housekeeping practices were acceptable.
No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were detected.
No daylight was observed at the exterior door.
No flaking/peeling paint indicative of a window or door leak was observed on the exterior wall (block).
No concerns (visible mold, odors, or active leaks) were observed above the drop ceiling.
While assessing the supply diffuser/duct work, a piece of plastic was found trapped in the duct which may have impacted air flow. Building Maintenance was onsite during the assessment and removed the debris upon discovery.
An artificial plant and other non-issued fabric materials were observed (bean bag).
Room 167
No visible suspect mold growth was observed on building materials or furniture.
No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet.
No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall or casework (wood).
The sink area was assessed. No active plumbing leaks were identifed.
Housekeeping practices were acceptable.
No VOCs were detected.
No daylight was observed at the exterior door (daylight represents a pest and summer humidity concern).
No flaking/peeling paint indicative of a window or door leak was observed on the exterior wall (block).
No concerns (visible mold, odors, or active leaks) were observed above the drop ceiling. Although minor water staining on pipe insulation was identifed. No mold growth was observed on the insulation and the minor water staining is considered cosmetic. The Office of the Environment understands a roof replacement project is to begin the Summer of 2024.
A non-issued aerosol disinfectant spray was observed.
Roof Top Unit- 8
The Roof Top Unit (RTU-8) that serves the space was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were closed.
- The filters were in place and in acceptable condition.
- The fan and coils required a general cleaning.
- A data logger was placed to measure general environmental conditions during occupancy:
- Temperature and relative humidity were acceptable.
- Carbon dioxide is used an indicator of sufficient outside air. The carbon dioxide measurements were not elevated indicating sufficient outside air is being delivered. Note, these readings were collected after the outside air damper deficiency had been corrected.
Conclusion
The outdoor air dampers for the air handling unit that serves the classrooms noted above were closed. This finding has the potential to impact indoor air quality, as general dilution ventilation would have been limited.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) was able to determine that the dampers were erroneously closed in January of 2024. Building Maintenance reported the damper position was corrected on March 22, 2024. The Office of the Environment confirmed this on March 26, 2024.
The Office of the Environment does not recommend the use of "at home" mold test kits for various reasons to include:
- Mold is a naturally occurring material in the indoor and outdoor air. The concern is experiencing chronic/excessive moisture within the indoor environment which promotes indoor mold amplification. The agar in the kit creates an artificial moisture source for the mold that is already in the air naturally, to amplify.
- No established health-based standard for acceptable levels of mold/fungi in indoor air exist.
- Various agencies/organizations to include the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) do not recommend routine air sampling for mold. Rather, they encourage visual inspections to include the use of moisture meters and infrared cameras, as well as detection of musty/moldy odors.
- They typically are not analyzed by an accredited laboratory under proper chain of custody protocol.
The Office of the Environment contacted Building Maintenance regarding the outdoor air dampers and the general cleaning of the unit. The outdoor air dampers were re-opened and the unit was cleaned. The Office of the Environment assessed the unit on March 26 to confirm the dampers were open and the unit was cleaned.
A stained ceiling tile was observed in Room 163, 164, and 165. If not already being addressed, school custodial staff is to submit a work order to Building Maintenance to evaluate, correct source, and replace ceiling tile.
Artificial plants easily collect dust (potential allergen) and are difficult to clean. These items are to be removed (164 and 166).
Non-issued fabric materials such as stuffed animals and a bean bag were observed in 164 and 166. As a reminder, these items may house allergens if not properly maintained. Remove unnecessary materials or ensure teaching staff has and is following a cleaning schedule (launder or vacuum) since not the responsibility of custodial staff to clean non-school items.
The non-issued disinfectant spray is to be removed from Room 167 by the staff member who brought it in. Such products are not permitted since they can be an airborne irritant when used. Disinfectant wipes and/or the approved cleaning solution from Custodial are permitted.