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: August 19, 20, 21, 24, September 30, 2025
The Office of the Environment was contacted regarding a musty/moldy odor within the space. Staff members indicated that the smell was due to the carpet periodically getting wet from rainwater intrusion via exterior door 23.
August 19, 2025
The Office of the Environment did not observe malodors within the space. The Office of the Environment observed a faint odor believed to be originating from the foam within the floor gym mats. No odors were observed within the carpet near exterior door 23.
Elevated moisture was not identified within the carpet via a moisture sensor.
No indications of visible mold growth were observed on the carpet, furniture, or items within the space.
No stained ceiling tiles were observed.
Temperature, relative humidity, and dew point readings were collected and were acceptable.
Damaged carpet near the exterior door was observed. Daylight underneath exterior door 23 was also observed.
Since the Office of the Environment could not smell the malodor and staff was not present, the Office of the Environment planned to return with staff to identify odor and potential source.
August 20, 2025
The Office of the Environment met with staff to identify odor. Items within the room were smelled to determine source of odor. A malodor was observed within a cushion and cover. The cushion and covers were taken out of the area and stored in a closet to determine if the items were the source of the odor.
Staff was instructed to close the doors and the Office of the Environment would return later to see if odor was present before the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system began operating.
AHU-5, which services Room 50, was assessed:
- No malodors were observed with in the unit or in the sound liner/door insulation.
- The outside air dampeners were observed to be open.
- Filters were present and no filter bypass was observed.
- No concerns were identifed with the units coils/drain pan.
August 21, 2025
The Office of the Environment attempted to identify the odor but upon arrival, the doors to the classroom were open and the HVAC had already began operating. No malodors were present.
August 24, 2025
The Office of the Environment attempted to identify the odor but upon arrival the doors to classroom were open. Items within the room were assessed again to determine if the malodor could be identified. No malodors were present.
September 30, 2025
The Office of the Environment visited the site prior to HVAC operation. Items within the room were assessed again to determine if the malodor could be identified. No malodors were present.
Building Maintenance (Carpentry) replaced the door sweep and caulked the threshold to prevent moisture intrusion.
New glue was applied and the carpet was reinstalled to prevent tripping hazards.
The divider wall was removed to determine if source of odor. No change in the odor was reported.