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: August 17, 2023
Approximately one square foot of mold growth was confirmed by the Office of the Environment.
A file cabinet was reported to have been previously located against the wall in the location of the growth.
Moisture testing determined elevated moisture within the drywall.
No plumbing or obvious leaks were identified within the area.
The surficial mold growth was cleaned/disinfected upon discovery, however residual staining still exists.
A definitive cause was not identified; however, a similar issue occurred in the 2nd Grade Pod recently (see IEQ Concern #CXMWES202300028C). Due to the similarity of both of the incidents, it is believed the that too much water is being used during custodial floor care activities. In both cases, the file cabinets location against the wall, likely exacerbated the situation as it restricted air flow to the impacted area, hindering drying.
Given the findings, the Office of Environment surveyed drywall in the remainder of the school assessing for obvious signs of impact to include visible mold growth, bubbling paint, and/or delaminating cove base.
No additional mold growth was identified, however an additional area of wet drywall was identified in Room 133.
The Office of the Enviornment requested the Custodial Management team meet with onsite custodians to ensure the proper amount of water is being used during floor care activities.
A board-approved restoration contractor removed mold and moisture impacted drywall.
The Office of the Environment went to verify work had been completed and found an area that was not removed. The restoration contractor was contacted and rescheduled to complete the work between 8/31/2023 and 9/5/2023.