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: June 7, 2023
The temperature (74.7 degrees Fahrenheit), relative humidity (33.6%), carbon dioxide (506 parts per million), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
When entering the space, no odors were detected. A staff member entered the space and indicated an odor was present but was not as intense as the day prior. Eventually, the staff member indicated that the odor was not present. The odor was described as "sour milk."
The room is finished with block walls, a drop-ceiling, and carpet. The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system include an in-room Fan Coil Unit (FCU) which recirculates room air for temperature control and a dedicated outside air unit (located on the roof) which provides outside air for general dilution.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
An ultra violet light was used to assess the carpet for stains or anomalies that may be the source of the described odor. No significant anomalies were observed.
The room was scanned with a thermal imaging camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed. No odors were identified above the drop-ceiling.
Casework is located along the exterior wall of the space. The kick-plates and the backing of the cabinets were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
The FCU was assessed. No odors were found to be emanating from the unit. The filters were in good condition and minor dust was observed on the coils (not out of the ordinary).
The dedicated outside air unit was also assessed. The filters, coils, and drain pan were acceptable. The outside air dampers were open.
The staff member indicated that the Office of the Environment had previously assessed the odor. Historic reports were reviewed and identified the following notable finding:
- A report indicates that the storm-water had backed up into the room in 2016, wetting the carpet. The event impacted other spaces. The spaces were were addressed by a 3rd-party restoration contractor. The odor concern reported at the time was believed to have began following the leak.
The Office of the Environment requested Building Maintenance remove the casework within the space so the backsides could be assessed.
June 29, 2023
The Office of the Environment assessed the backsides of the casework and the exterior wall (previously inaccessible due to the casework). No mold growth, water staining, or concerns were noted on the backside of the casework.
The backside of the casework was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
The carpet that was underneath the casework was lifted at the seam in two locations (each side of the FCU). No odors or concerns were identified on the underside of the carpet or the sub-floor.
Various other rooms were assessed for comparison. In comparison, a faint odor was sensed within Room 214 as compared to other rooms. The odor was not considered musty, moldy, or "sour milk" by the assessor.
Two other individuals were asked to offer their perspective. Both indicated they smelled something, however it was not considered intense (just noticeable). One individual referenced sour milk and the other referenced vinegar as a comparison.
As the investigation continued, a distinct odor associated with cleaning chemicals was noted. The investigation was discontinued on the 29th due to nearby custodial cleaning activities.
It should also be noted that the areas directly upstairs and below were also assessed for potential odors with none identified.
To date a significant cause of the odor has not been identified.