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: April 13, 17, and 19, 2023
April 13, 2023
A preliminary walkthrough was conducted on April 13th to observe what was believed to be "black mold" around the windows. After closer observation, this appears to be particulate/dust from ceiling tiles.
Additionally, the gypsum roof deck was observed to be damaged and water stained, above the drop ceiling (in the location of a stained ceiling tile). The area of impacted was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
April 17, 2023
The classroom is finished with block walls on three sides and drywall on one side. The room is finished with floor tile and a drop ceiling. There are two ceiling-mounted Fan Coil Units (FCUs) that recirculate room air for temperature control. There are two ceiling mounted supply diffusers that deliver outside air from Outdoor Air Unit (OAU)-3. Two returns are also located in the ceiling that return air to OAU-3.
The temperature (71.7 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (31.0%), carbon dioxide (690 parts per million (ppm)), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable within the space.
OAU-3 was assessed:
- The outside air dampers were observed to be open.
- The bird screen and pre-filters were observed to be installed with no deficiencies.
- The final filters appeared to be in good condition and were last installed in July of 2023 which is in alignment with HCPSS' one-year replacement cycle.
- The coils appeared to be in good condition.
Additionally the two FCUs were assessed. No concerns were identified with the units. Minor dust was observed within the units, however this is not uncommon.
The drywall in the space was randomly probed (locations within a few inches of floor) with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
Three stained ceiling tiles were noted. One is outside of the room, one is associated with the damaged gypsum roof deck noted above, and one appears to be associated with Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed with particular attention to the areas where stained ceiling tiles were located. No musty odors were identified above the drop ceiling. No suspect mold growth was observed. At this time, the stained ceiling tiles are considered an indicator of a maintenance issue and do not necessarily represent a significant indoor environmental quality concern. The Office of the Environment understands Custodial has already submitted work orders for Building Maintenance to assess/address the stained ceiling tiles.
Dust can be observed above the drop ceiling, adhered to the gypsum roof deck. This dust has been considered suspect mold growth in the past (2015). A report by a third-party contractor, Building Dynamics, indicated that the dust has been previously tested and analyzed. "Tape lifts of this material were free of fungal growth structures and these deposits were classified as dust, not mold."
Various surfaces, with an emphasis on wood surfaces were assessed for mold growth. No suspect mold growth was observed.
A thermal infrared screening was conducted of the space. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
The exterior windows were assessed. The caulking appeared to be in good condition with no deficiencies identified.
The space also consists of two "islands" with sink components. The perimeter of the islands were probed with a moisture meter in various locations. No elevated moisture was detected.
There is wood casework along the exterior wall. The casework backing (along the wall) as well as the kick plates were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected. Minor dust was observed on the bookshelf.
A wooden trunk was observed on the bookshelf. The trunk appeared to have minor water staining or glue/mastic staining within it. No odors were identified and no mold growth was observed.
April 19, 2023
Additional assessment was performed on the hole identified in the gypsum roof deck. No odors or suspect mold growth were identified when observing into the void. The Office of the Environment spoke with Building Maintenance about sealing the void as a precaution with a panel (eliminates a potential exposure pathway if something were to be present within void). Building Maintenance reported that sealing this void with a panel may compromise the roof.
The black material located near the windows was swabbed for laboratory analysis. Based on the analysis, the material is classified as dust. It likely accumulates at this location due to thermophoresis.
A hole was observed in the exterior block wall above the drop ceiling. This hole has been sealed from the exterior with brick. Conversations with Building Maintenance indicate that this hole (and others) were historically used as vents for the ceiling plenum, prior to a historic HVAC renovation. Given that the holes are sealed from the exterior and no longer in use and because they are located above the drop ceiling, they do not appear to represent a concern. It should also be noted that no evidence of pest activity was observed in these locations.
The adjoining science prep room was assessed:
- Chemical storage practices appeared to be acceptable.
- Areas above the drop-ceiling were assessed. No odors were identified. No suspect mold growth was observed above the drop ceiling.
- A hole in the exterior similar to the one noted in Classroom 7 was observed.
- A strong coffee odor was noted (wet coffee filter on counter).
- Casework (kickplate) was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was observed.
- Areas under the sink were observed, with no signs of suspect mold or leaking.
- An extremely apparent moldy/musty odor was also present. The odor was traced to a mobile dishwasher (on wheels). When the dishwasher was opened the odor intensified significantly. The reservoir in the dishwasher was not visible, however it is assumed that the dishwasher has not been used in some time and water was allowed to stagnate, likely resulting in microbial growth. Additionally, when the dishwasher was opened, the odor migrated to adjoining spaces.
Given the intensity of the odor within the dishwasher and because a significant exposure pathway to occupied areas exists (odor migrated when dishwasher was opened), the assumed microbial growth/stagnant water within the dishwasher represents a potential indoor environmental quality concern. The dishwasher was removed from the space to an unoccupied area upon discovery.
Building Maintenance (Roofing) assessed the damaged gypsum decking and the roof above the damage. Minor penetrations in the roof were identified and patched. The hole in the decking will remain open so that the area can be monitored for leaks following a rain event. If no leaks are identified, the hole in the decking will be patched.
The Office of the Environment requested Custodial perform a cleaning of the bookshelves and floor.
The dishwasher was removed from the prep room to an unoccupied area of the building. Administration is to determine who is responsible for the maintenance of this item (likely Science or FACS, not Building Maintenance). The dishwasher should be serviced and cleaned (not by staff) or discarded. If a portable dishwasher is to be purchased again, it is recommended that if the unit is not going to be used regularly, the water is to be purged from the unit after use and dried prior to closing the door on the unit.
A work order was created to perform a general cleaning of the minor dust within the rooms FCUs.