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)
History
In response to an IEQ Concern in Room 67 (2022 and 2023), The Office of the Environment identified mold growth under cabinetry in this space (2023). Because the cause of mold growth had not yet been identifed, a board approved restoration contractor was utilized to clean and encapsulate the under sides and backsides of the cabinets as an interim measure.
The windows in Room 67 were assessed by Building Maintenance (required removal of the window) and were found to be leaking. The repairs were made during the assessment since the windows were already removed. The contractor recommended additional windows be assessed/repaired due to a similar renovation history (Rooms 64-66 and 70-73). During this process, the Office of the Environment also identified mold growth under cabinetry in Room 73. The Office of the Environment could not rule out that this condition was occurring in the remaining rooms of similar renovation history. It was decided that the casework adjoining exterior walls in Rooms 29-36 was to be removed following the window repairs. In the meantime, the undersides of the cabinetry in Rooms 67 and 73 were cleaned and encapsulated until the window repair could be completed and replacement cabinetry could be installed.
The windows were repaired during the Spring of 2024. Following the repair (Summer of 2024), Building Maintenance removed the cabinetry adjoining exterior walls. At the the time this IEQ Concern was placed (June 13, 2024), the cabinets had not been removed.
Current Assessment
Building Maintenance was in the process of planning a bookshelf removal project in association with the former IEQ Concern (noted above, #CXPRES2022000243).
An inspection hole had been cut during a previous assessment into the existing casework so that under the cabinetry could be assessed. No odors were detected emanating from under the casework and no mold growth or moisture concerns appeared to have re-occurred since the interim cleaning/encapsulation.
The casework was removed during the Summer of 2024. New carpeting was installed in the areas where casework was located formerly. A moveable shelving system (not attached to the wall) was installed so that the area can be monitored.
The Office of the Environment detected a slight nuisance carpet odor during the visit. This odor does not represent a health and safety concern and would be diluted once the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning begins to operate.