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 1, ##, and 14, 2024
Surfaces (including the carpet) were assessed for visible mold growth. No visible mold growth was observed.
No odors indicative of mold were identifed. A faint nuisance carpet odor was detected, however this is common in carpeted rooms prior to the HVAC system beginning to operate.
The space's Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is served by a Fan Coil Unit (FCU). The FCU brings in outside air from an outdoor intake located outside of the classroom. The unit was assessed with no concerns identifed.
The kickplates (wood) were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
The back of the bookcase (adjoins exterior wall, under window) was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected. However, bubbling paint, indicative of moisture intrusion was observed on the block wall.
Areas above the drop ceiling were assessed. No odors or indications of a moisture intrusion concern were identifed.
The carpet was probed with a moisture meter. Elevated moisture was randomly encountered in several locations.
The carpet was peeled up in several areas:
- No signs of delaminating mastic (indicative of a moisture issue) were observed.
- No moldy/musty odors were encountered underneath the carpet.
- No visual mold growth was observed underneath the carpet.
The carpet moisture encountered appears to be topical.
The Office of the Environment requested Custodial clean the carpet using wet methods/extraction and place fans to allow the carpet to dry over a weekend.
The Office of the Environment returned after the cleaning and no elevated moisture was detected in the carpet during that assessment.
Speaking with onsite staff, two items were brought up that may have caused the elevated moisture detections:
- Onsite staff indicated student water bottles are frequently spilled in this room. It was discussed that water bottles could be moved to a cart on floor tile to prevent spills onto the carpet.
- The region had received a large volume of precipitation the week preceding. A concern was raised about water ponding outside of the classroom. A Building Maintenance (Grounds) work order (#8745) from January 2024 indicates that grading work was completed to alleviate this concern. No evidence of ponding was observed outside of the classroom during the assessment, which occurred after and during precipitation event(s).
Other Findings
Several food items (not stored in sealable containers) were observed.
A non-issued aerosol disinfectant spray was observed in a cabinetry.
Conclusion
There is an exterior door within the classroom. The topical moisture appears to follow the path of the exterior door to the interior door which leads to the main hallway. The moisture may be from wet shoes tracking in moisture due to several days of significant precipitation and/or the moisture may be from incidental water bottle spills reported to frequently occur by onsite staff.
Administration was informed to speak with the staff member who brought in the non-issued disinfectant and have them remove it from the facility.
Administration was informed to speak with the staff member and have them store food in sealable containers to prevent future pest concerns. No evidence of significant pest activity was identifed during the assessment.
A definitive cause was not identifed, however the moisture does appear to be topical. The following can be attempted to reduce future moisture concerns:
- Create a storage area or cart for water bottles to be placed in the main hallway. If incidental spills occur on the floor tile within the hallway, prompt clean up is to occur to prevent slips/trips/falls.
and/or
- If significant foot traffic is anticipated through the classroom due to the exterior door, place a carpet fan on the area overnight (after school) if there is a significant precipitation event.
- Additionally, place signage (visible when entering the building from the outside) to increase the use the potential for students to wipe feet at the walk-off location.
- or, do not allow entrance through the classroom exterior door.
A work order was created for Building Maintenance to assess/address the peeling/flaking paint.