Concern: Pointers Run Elementary School: December 13th, 2024 (CXPRES2024000334)

Location
Portable I
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Mold spores on the exterior and interior of at least 7 out of 9 air vents. There are also mold spores surrounding the vents on the ceiling. General health symptoms were later reported (February 14) and believed to be associated with the building.
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(s): December 16, February 14 and 24, March 4, 11, 13, 22, and 24, 2025 

December 16

No visible mold was observed on the vents at the time of the assessment as Custodial Services had recently completed cleaning of the vents based on the submission of this concern. 

The vents were removed so the interior of the ductwork (interior is fiberglass lined) could be observed. No visible mold or malodors were identified within the ductwork. General dust was observed adhered to the duct lining, however this is not unusual as the fiberglass insulation tends to collect/trap dust. 

Wood framing is located between each duct opening and the ceiling. The wood framing was visibly dirty/discolored. 

The wood framing above was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected. 

A moisture sensor was used on the carpet. No elevated moisture was detected. 

February/March 

The interior of the ductwork (interior is fiberglass lined) was observed (different assessor). No visible mold or malodors were identified within the ductwork. General dust was observed adhered to the duct lining, however this is not unusual as the fiberglass insulation tends to collect/trap dust. 

Wood framing is located between each duct opening and the ceiling. The wood framing was visibly dirty/discolored. 

There is an additional "vent" opening, not associated with the supply ductwork. This opening (normally covered with a metal supply diffuser) opens into the "attic" space above the classroom. An exhaust duct, presumably to assist in ventilating the "attic" space extends through the roof. Smoke testing was performed and indicated that air movement can flow from the attic into the occupied space, particularly on cold days. Once the HVAC is operational and the occupied space is warm, the airflow then changes and moves from the occupied space into the attic via a process known as the stack effect. This Office of the Environment considers this finding as a deficiency, as a significant nexus between an occupied/non-occupied space exists. This configuration may also be impacting humidity levels in the space. 

A moisture sensor was used on the carpet. No elevated moisture was detected. 

An infrared camera was used to attempt to identified thermal anomalies that could be indicative of moisture intrusion. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed. 

A moisture meter was used to determine the moisture level of the drywall  in various location (under windows and the wall adjoining the storage closet containing the water heater). No elevated moisture was detected.

A strong "essential oil" odor was noted in the classroom. 

Adjoining Closet Space

The adjoining storage space was assessed. While assessing this space, a leaking water heater was identifed. 

The water heater was surrounding by wood framing and drywall. Elevated moisture was detected in the wood framing, drywall, and the subfloor. No mold growth was observed. 

Corrective Actions
February 19th, 2025

The staff member was requested to remove the essential oil per the IEQ Guidelines. 

February 23rd, 2025

A board-approved restoration contractor cleaned/vacuumed the wood framing at each supply diffuser. After the cleaning, the wood framing was encapsulated. 

March 10th, 2025

Building Maintenance (Plumbing) removed the water heater. The drywall and framing around the water heater was removed. The plywood subfloor was dried and encapsulated by a board-approved restoration contractor. Building Maintenance (Plumbing) is responsible for re-installing a new water heater (WO #53996).

March 14th, 2025

Building Maintenance closed/sealed the opening to the "attic" space. Ventilation will be added to the attic space that does not utilize a nexus between the attic/occupied space. Building Maintenance anticipates that work to be completed on March 29, 2025. 

March 15th, 2025

The Office of the Environment has added the portable to our "summer watch list." The Office of the Environment will monitor portable conditions through the summer. If additional dehumidification is necessary, this will be coordinated through the Office of the Environment. 

March 22nd, 2025

The supply ductwork was cleaned and encapsulated by a board-approved contractor as a precaution. 

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXPRES2024000334