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: October 11, 2022 and November 7, 2022
Room 130
The space consists of block wall, floor tile, an area rug, and a drop ceiling. The room has six supply diffusers and two filtered return vents.
The temperature (70.1 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (42.5%), carbon dioxide (407 parts per million (ppm)), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room has been historically impacted by mold growth on surfaces in the summer due to the spaces Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system (constant volume units are prone to providing elevated humidity under certain weather conditions (Summer)).
The room was re-assessed for mold growth on surfaces due to high humidity in the Summer. No mold growth was observed.
No moldy/musty odors were sensed.
A ceiling tile with mold on it (indicative of a leak) was identified below a Variable Air Volume (VAV) box in the ceiling. The ceiling tile was removed upon discovery.
The ductwork up and downstream of the VAV box was affixed with access panels. The inside of the ductwork was viewed via the access panels (up/down stream of the VAV). No mold growth, odors, or concerns were identified within the duct work.
The filters in the return grilles were assessed and were in good condition (recently replaced in August 2022).
Dead bugs were observed in the light fixture within the bathroom.
The Roof Top Unit (RTU) that serves the space (RTU-6) was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filters, coils, and drain were acceptable.
Because the individual also spends time in Room 157, Room 157 was also assessed.
Room 157
The space consists of drywall, block walls, a drop ceiling, and floor tile.
The temperature (71.5 degrees Fahrenheit (F), relative humidity (42.3 %), and carbon dioxide (597 parts per million (ppm)), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room has three supply diffusers and two filtered returns (mounted in ceiling).
The supply diffusers were delivering air (qualitatively) and the filters in the returns were in good condition (recently changed in August 2022).
No mold growth was observed on surfaces.
No malodors were sensed.
No mold/moisture/odor concerns were identified above the drop ceiling. The ductwork above the ceiling appeared connected.
Elevated moisture was detected in approximately 6-8 linear feet of drywall. The drywall with elevated moisture, adjoined a storage closet.
The adjoining storage closet was assessed and a brown stain was noted on the wall that adjoined Room 157. Above the stain is a HVAC unit. An HVAC technician was onsite during the assessment. The unit was assessed, with no deficiencies identified. Elevated moisture (approximately 6 linear feet) was detected on the storage closet side of the wall as well.
Based on information gathered from HVAC, Administration, etc. this unit leaked over the summer and was repaired, however the Office of the Environment was not informed of the leak impacting drywall, therefore it was not dried properly.
The ventilation unit serving the classroom (Air Handing Unit-2) was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filters, coils, and drain were acceptable.
- Building Maintenance (HVAC) utilized a balancing contractor to measure the amount of outside air being supplied to the space. The volume of air measured was less than 90% the designed airflow, indicating the system should be re-balanced.
Custodial Services was asked to submit a work order to Building Maintenance regarding the leak and clean the dead bugs from the light.
Building Maintenance was requested to remove the impacted drywall. Eight linear feet of drywall was removed from the storage closet. During removal it was noted that the wall consisted of a cement board material (similar to what is used around showers). No mold growth was observed on the removed drywall or within the wall cavity. The drywall on the classroom side remained, the cove based removed (no visible mold behind the cove base) and was dried with fans and a dehumidifier. The Office of the Environment assessed the wall on November 7, 2022. No elevated moisture was detected.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) indicated that RTU-6 and 7 (serves Room 131, similar construction) will be modified with a dehumidification sequence of operation to reduce the potential for elevated indoor relative humidity and subsequent mold growth (primarily a concern June-September).
Building Maintenance (HVAC) plans to rebalance AHU-2 to so that the outdoor air flow is within 10% of design specifications.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) plans to utilize a contractor to re-balance AHU-2. The purpose of the re-balancing is to increase the amount of outdoor air being supplied to Room 157.