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(s) of Assessment: January 7, 9, 10, and 13, 2020.
Areas assessed included the second grade pod, cafeteria, and related art areas (media, art, music gym). The ventilations systems serving these areas were also reviewed.
The ventilation unit serving the art room had a portion of its foiled face fiberglass sound liner hanging close to the blower pulley and the outdoor air dampers were closed.
The coils of the gym ventilation unit had minor particulate accumulation.
Water stained ceiling tiles were observed in the art room, exterior entrance to the cafeteria, near boys restroom within cafeteria, and the hallway immediately outside the entrance to the second grade pod.
Mold growth was not observed on inspected surfaces.
Housekeeping was found to be acceptable on horizontal surfaces.
No concerns were identified above the drop ceiling.
Wood pallets with minor discoloration were stored within the cafeteria near the exterior doorway.
No outstanding and/or unusual odors were detected.
Supply air diffusers in the art and music rooms had dust accumulation on them.
The gym storage contained a few large trash cans with small foam and fabric (pom pom) balls.
An area carpet (school issued) is present in front of the whiteboards in each of the classrooms in the second grade pod. The back left classroom has a fabric chair and items in the corner near the pencil sharpener. The front left classroom has a fabric saucer chair and fabric covered stools / boxes around a work table.
A visit was made during the time the student expresses experiencing a general symptom within a specific second grade classroom (front left). Students started the class on the area carpet in all the second grade classrooms. The majority, if not all the students, in the front left classroom were dancing / actively moving on the area carpet. This may disturb allergens / dust from the area carpet or students' clothing. Students are in very close proximity of each other when on the area carpet.
The temperature (degrees), relative humidity (%), and carbon dioxide (parts per million (ppm)) were within acceptable ranges. Measurements were collected during the January 10th visit between 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Location Temperature (F) Relative Humidity (%) Carbon Dioxide (ppm)
Music 72 35 705 (18 people, door closed)
Art 72 34 1,063 (23 people, doors closed)
2nd Grade 73 34 792 (full class in each room, doors open)
Outside 50 60 452
Custodial staff is to clean the dust accumulation on the metal fins of the supply air diffusers within the art room.
Building Services is to assess and address the outdoor air dampers and the dislodging sound liner within the ventilation unit serving the art room and clean the coils within the gym ventilation roof top unit.
If not already reported to or being addressed by Building Services, the school is to submit a work order regarding the ceiling tile stains so Building Services can identify and correct the source.
The person expressing the concern may want to consider if a certain activity coincides with when symptoms are experienced. Based on the above findings this could apply to physical activity on the area carpet, sitting on fabric items, and use of pom pom balls during physical education. Consideration could be given to abstain from a certain activity for a period of time as a process of elimination.