Concern: Oakland Mills High School: April 8th, 2024 (CXOMHS20240002F6)

Location
270
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Tiles fell from the ceiling during spring break in the choir room. The floor in the room was wet and there was a distinct odor when we returned. In addition, the air quality was poor. The air in the room felt hard to inhale. Which is not the atmosphere you want for singing. I have been running two air purifiers in the room which has helped alleviate the odor. The tiles have now been repaired but I am unsure of the air quality.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Date of Assessment: April 15, 2024

Building Maintenance had reported the cause of the leak had been corrected. The cause of the leak included a failed pump located in the penthouse above, that leaked onto the floor. A crack in the floor allowed the water to migrate into the classroom area before reaching a floor drain within the penthouse. Building Maintenance reported that the pump had already been replaced and the crack was sealed as a response to this event. 

No olfactory or visual evidence of mold was identified. 

The moisture meter did not reveal elevated moisture within the block wall in the vicinity of the leak.  

The floor tile and cove base were strongly adhered. Loose tile and easily peeled cove base are a potential indicator of a moisture issue. 

No insulation (porous) above the drop ceiling appeared to be impacted by the leak. 

The ceiling tiles had already been replaced. 

The Office of the Environment assessed the penthouse area above the classroom and observed the aforementioned crack to be sealed.  

The Office of the Environment collected environment readings including temperature (75.8 F), carbon dioxide (CO2) (449 ppm), relative humidity (35.7%), and carbon monoxide (CO) (0.0 ppm). These readings were collected before and after the HVAC system turned on. Readings revealed that temperature, carbon dioxide, relative humidity, and carbon monoxide were with the acceptable levels. 

The Office of the Environment discussed the findings of the results with the occupant. The occupant indicated that the smell and poor air quality occurred within the first few days upon return from spring break and has not observed those conditions since. 

No further action appears warranted. 

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXOMHS20240002F6