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: October 1, 2023
An odor comparable to "heated dust" was noted when entering the room. The computers were cycling on and off during the assessment (Sunday). The odor is likely coming from nuisance dust being heated within the operational computers. The Office of the Environment is not aware of this odor being associated with a health and safety concern. The odor may have been more noticeable during the assessment due to the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system being off.
A stained ceiling tile was observed. Darker staining was observed in the center of the stain. This leak appears to be occurring due to an HVAC leak above the drop ceiling. An active leak was not observed.
The room was screened with a Photoionization Detector (PID) for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). No VOCs were detected.
No carbon monoxide was detected.
Various surfaces were assessed for mold growth that would have occurred due to an extended period of high indoor relative humidity. No mold growth was observed on any surfaces.
The kickplates of cabinetry within the room were probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
A drywall column is located within the space. The drywall was probed with a moisture meter. No elevated moisture was detected.
Debris (wood and foam materials) is located above the drop ceiling. The debris appears to be from a former roofing project. No odors were associated with the debris. This debris would not be anticipated to have a significant impact on occupant indoor air quality assuming regular filter changes are occurring and no filter bypass is present. Filters are the responsibility of the Office of Building Maintenance. No major filter deficiencies were identified during this assessment.
The ventilation unit associated with the space was assessed:
- No odors were identified within the unit.
- The outside air dampers were open.
- The filters were acceptable and recently changed (pre-filters dated 6/23 and final filters dated 9/23).
- The coils and drain pan were acceptable.
- The rubberized sheathing around copper lines in the last compartment of the unit require cleaning.
It should be noted that this space adjoins Room 809 and is located near Room 808. Mold growth was identified in Room 808 and 809 during a sperate assessment of the school:
Rooms 808 and 809 have been historically been impacted by elevated relative humidity and mold growth in the Summer due to the type of HVAC system installed. Extremely minor mold growth was observed on a few science lab benches (under the bench, where students legs would go, enclosed on all sides but one). The cause of the mold growth likely occurred due to the type of HVAC system and lack of air flow in the "cubbies" where students legs go when working at the lab bench. It should be noted, that Building Maintenance (HVAC) had planned to upgrade the controls to the science wing HVAC systems this Summer (2023) but reported they did not perform the work due to certain parts not arriving.
Modifications to the controls of the Science Wing are planned to occur prior to the next cooling season. These modifications would improve the relative humidity within the spaces, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Once these modifications are made, the Science Wing should not experience elevated humidity and subsequent mold growth under normal operating conditions (barring an unforeseen mechanical issue with the system).
Rooms 808 and 809 - The minor growth observed in these rooms was cleaned/disinfected upon discovery. A precautionary clean of the spaces was performed by a board-approved contractor.
Replace the ceiling tile and ensure a work order has been placed to address the cause of the leak.
Administration can work with the teacher to determine if:
1) The cleaning of dust from internal computer components is necessary/practical (i.e. contact Technology).
2) To determine if shutting down the computers overnight/weekends would be appropriate (energy management).
As a cost savings measure, Building Maintenance (HVAC) can consider having the areas in the immediate vicinity of the return intakes above the drop-ceiling cleaned of dust, fiberglass, and wood to reduce air filter loading.
Clean rubber insulation around copper lines in roof top unit.