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)
Dates of Assessment: November 3 and 10, 2022
On November 3rd, the Office of Environment received and responded to the school administration's correspondence of possible mold growth found by staff when moving furniture in room A16A.
Approximately 27 square feet (~3'x3' area behind each cabinet) of mold growth was observed on drywall where 3-4 metal cabinets (solid backs) were placed against. Mold was not observed on the impacted wall where exposed or had open back furniture. The drywall was dry as determined with the use of a moisture meter calibrated for gypsum material.
The impacted wall is shared with adjacent room A15. No mold growth was observed in A15. An exposed vertical roof drain pipe was present in A15. No signs of water staining / damage around the drain pipe. In addition, the drain pipe was not aligned with the damage in A16A.
A square foot inspection cut out was made in A16A where mold growth was present. No mold growth was observed on the backside of the cut out. A cement block wall is between the drywall walls of A15 and A16A. No mold observed on the block wall where cut out was made. Some vinyl cove base was displaced to observe for mold growth. No mold growth was found behind cove base.
No mold was observed on the back side of the metal cabinets. No mold growth was observed on other inspected surfaces in rooms A16 A & B.
The mold growth on the drywall was only topical as determined based on wall inspection, potential moisture sources, and readily cleaned off the drywall without leaving a residue.
A mezzanine is located above the concrete ceiling. The mezzanine is currently an open space with no obvious water sources.
Staff indicated they had been in the room for about 20 years. No recollection of a water event and the metal cabinets had been against the wall for those 20 years. Staff indicated that there are thermal comfort extremes within the room (i.e. too cool).
Based on the above information, the Office of Environment assumes the thermal extremes in the room created thermal differences between the wall and metal cabinets. Due to the lack of air space between the wall and the cabinets, condensation from the thermal differentials was not readily dried, likely causing topical mold growth on the painted surface of the drywall.
The mold growth was cleaned and disinfected by the Office of Environment.
Building Maintenance HVAC Shop has been requested to review ventilation equipment and controls serving A16 (A&B) to address any possible deficiencies causing thermal extremes.
Building Maintenance repaired inspection cut and painted the wall. Completed November 9th.
As a precaution keep solid back furniture away from the impacted wall.