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 Assessment: August 27 and 30, 2021
An odor was not detected during the visits, but sense of smell may have been hindered due to timing, such as later in the day when classroom had been in use or dehumidifier present.
During the initial visit relative humidity fluctuated due to the thermostat's fan setting. At one point during the initial visit, relative humidity was >70%. The fan setting on the portable's HVAC thermostat can be set to "on", "auto", and "off". As a precautionary measure due to COVID, the fan mode has been set to "on" which allows the fan to operate and introduce outdoor air 24/7. This was set around the time teachers returned (August 19, 2021). As a result, pending weather, relative humidity may increase within the portable during non-school hours and/or periods of time when the unit is not actually cooling or heating the air. To prevent potential mold growth due to extended elevated relative humidity (>70%), a dehumidifier was deployed (August 27, 2021) to break trends of elevated relative humidity.
Mold growth related to relative humidity was observed inside three student desks. The growth was either new or missed during the cleaning of desks due to mold growth observed during the school's IEQ inspection conducted August 9, 2021. The desks were cleaned /disinfected during this assessment.
The walls were probed with a moisture meter. An area of drywall (~1 square foot) below the window near the door having the ramp was found to be in question. The area in question was removed for inspection. Wood studding, wood exterior sheathing, and fiberglass insulation were in good condition. The drywall had the start of minor (<1/2") mold growth.
Building Service will evaluate the reason for the wet area of drywall and correct as necessary. An access panel is in place for the time being. Work order 205015.