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: July 20 and 27, 2022
The odor concern was reported to have begun towards the end of the school year. Teaching staff reportedly mentioned to custodian(s). Custodial staff now reported the concern since the odor may be lingering. Custodian indicated chocolate milk has been spilled a few times leaving stains. Microbial growth had grown where a trash can was placed on top of the damp carpeting (spilled milk). Custodial cleaned the carpet using the Whittaker process approximately two weeks prior to this assessment.
July 20, 2022 (7 a.m.)
The door to the room was closed.
No mold growth was observed on surfaces inspected.
No outstanding odor detected within the room.
The carpet was dry and had a slightly different odor (nothing unpleasant or strong) at the spilled milk area compared to unstained carpet sections.
No concerns observed above or below the drop ceiling. The HVAC unit was off (per summer schedule), but an IEQ HVAC assessment performed on April 26, 2022 did not identify any deficiencies.
The room was 78.2 degrees F and 61.5% relative humidity. A data logger was placed within the room to trend temperature and relative humidity. Surrounding areas served by the same HVAC unit were visited with no outstanding odors detected.
July 27 (6:45 a.m.)
The purpose of the visit was to attempt to detect the odor and to collect the data logger. No outstanding odor was detected. The data logger did not indicate an issue with HVAC unit operation per summer operating schedule.
Building Services was aware of the potential request from the school to replace the carpet with floor tile. However, Building Services instructed the school to contact the Office of Environment to ensure no IEQ issues existed.
Although no IEQ deficiencies were identified, the Office of Environment recommends the carpet be replaced with floor tile due to the use (lunch, spilled liquids) of the room/office. Building Services has the materials to perform the work.