A general health concern believed to be associated with mold was also noted.
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 of Assessment: April 19, 2023
Room 1
No odors were identified in this space.
The room was screened with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
The casework was assessed with a moisture meter (1-4" above floor). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. Dust was observed sporadically on 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."
Other potential allergen sources included various potted plants, a 5-gallon bucket of soil, and a terrarium.
Room 4
No odors were identified in this space.
The room was screened with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identified.
The drywall was assessed with a moisture meter (1-4" above floor). No elevated moisture was detected.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No odors or suspect mold growth were identified.
Room 7
Room 7 was assessed during the same time frame under a separate IEQ Concern. Please see IEQ Concern #CXXGMS202300027C for additional information regarding Room 7.
Science Preparation (Between Room 4 and 7)
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 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.
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.
A terrarium (with soil) was observed.
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.
Outdoor Air Handling Unit-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.
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.
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.
If removing the dishwasher does not relieve concern, the occupant can work with Administration, teaching staff, or custodian to remove other potential allergen sources such as the soil from plants, buckets, and terrariums.
Regarding stained ceiling tiles: Stained ceiling tiles are considered an indicator of a maintenance issue and do not necessarily represent a significant indoor environmental quality concern. Concerns with stained ceiling tiles should be brought to the attention of the Custodian. The custodian can place a work order for Building Maintenance to address. If suspect mold growth is observed on a ceiling tile (i.e. not brown water staining) the tile should be replaced as soon as reasonably possible.