Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated September 4, 2018. The concern should be dated May 23, 2018.
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)
The individual's schedule was reviewed and each room the individual occupies on a regular basis was assessed.
Room 62, 63, Media, Art, and Gym - June 6, 2018
- Minor dust deposits in the corners of rooms 62 and 63.
- No visible mold growth or odors were observed/detected.
- No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were noted.
- No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall.
- No concerns were identified within the plenum.
- Temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide measurements were collected. No concerns with the measurements were identified.
Air Handling Units - June 5, 2018
- The Air Handling Units (AHUs) that service Room 62/63, Media, Art, Gym, Cafeteria, and Music were assessed.
- No visible mold growth was observed on the coils within the units.
- No odors were present within the units.
Cafeteria and Music - June 6, 2018
- No visible mold growth or odors were observed/detected.
- No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were noted.
- No elevated moisture was detected in the drywall.
- No concerns were identified within the plenum.
- Temperature, relative humidity, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide measurements were collected. No concerns with the measurements were identified.
- Two stained ceiling tiles were identified in the cafeteria (no mold was observed).
Room 62 and 63 - June 13, 2018 (After Hours)
- Suspect mold growth was reported on two bulletin board within Rooms 62 and 63. The Office of the Environment investigated and found the suspect material was not mold growth. The material appears to be dried fire retardant spray.
- The remainder of the building was assessed for odor. A very faint indescribable odor was noted near the return air grill in the First Grade pod. The odor was only detected for a few seconds.
- The AHU that services First Grade was assessed an no odors were present within the unit.
Air Handling Units - June 14, 2018
- The Air Handling Units that service the First and Third Grade Pods were re-assessed.
- No mold growth or odors were present.
- Select ductwork at the school is internally lined with a fiberglass sound-liner.
- Holes were drilled into the supply and return ducts that service First and Third Grade. No unusual odors were present within the ductwork.
- The sound-liner was viewed through the holes in the ductwork. No visible suspect mold was observed.
July 6 and 11, 2018
- A general walkthrough of the building was completed. No odors were noted.
- Relative humidity readings were collected and were below the EPA Guidelines to prevent mold growth (60%).
August 3, 2018
- A general assessment of the building was performed.
- Mold growth (limited) was identified on the top of supply diffusers in the main hallways, administration office, and art room.
- Discussion with custodial staff indicated that detailed cleaning of the diffusers is not part of the regular cleaning schedule.
- It appears excess dust on the diffusers (food source) coupled with the thermal differential (caused by conditioned air contacting the metal diffuser) provided conditions conducive for mold growth.
It should be noted that the musty odor detected on June 14 was never detected again by the Office of the Environment. The school has historically had odor concerns related to inadequate humidity removal. Specialized systems were installed onto the AHU's (2015) to better dehumidify the air. The odor returned in 2016 because the system malfunctioned. The system was repaired an no additional odor concerns have been identified by the Office of the Environment to date.
The dusty conditions noted in Room 62 and 63 were addressed during the schools summer cleaning.
Custodial Services cleaned each of the supply diffusers in the school. The Office of the Environment is working with Custodial Services to ensure that supply diffusers are included in each school's regular cleaning schedule. This would include a more thorough cleaning (removal of the diffuser if possible) during the summer.