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: March 4, 7, 13, and 19, 2024
General
To reduce the amount of text in the report, the reader may assume the following about each space assessed unless otherwise noted:
- No moldy/musty odors were identifed.
- No visible mold growth was identifed.
- The general cleanliness of each space was acceptable.
- A thermal screening of each space was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed with the exception of Room 109.
- No elevated moisture was detected in drywall or carpet (with the exception of Room 109 (carpet).
- Several mouse traps (sticky and snap) were observed. No pests were observed in any of the traps.
- No concerns were identifed above the drop ceilings (moldy/musty odors, visible mold growth, evidence of a leak).
- Additionally, the flexible supply ducts were observed to be connected.
Room 103 (AHU-2)
The temperature (72.6 degrees Fahrenheit (F)), relative humidity (39.7%), carbon dioxide (558 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall (2) and block (2) walls, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
Two damaged ceiling tiles were observed.
Two stained ceiling tiles were observed.
One window is present in the space. No bubbling paint indicative of a leak was observed.
Room 104 (AHU-2)
The temperature (71.8 F), relative humidity (42.7%), carbon dioxide (590 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall walls (3), a divider, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
One wooden shelf had minor cobwebs and dust on the bottom shelf.
A minor stain was observed on one ceiling tile.
Room 105 (AHU-2)
The temperature (72.9 F), relative humidity (40.8%), carbon dioxide (463 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall walls, a divider, floor tile, and a drop ceiling.
Room 109 (AHU-1)
The temperature (73.5 F), relative humidity (39.9%), carbon dioxide (474 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall walls, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
A thermal screening of the space was conducted. A thermal anomaly indicative of a recent isolated spill (likely a drink) was identifed under a student desk/chair. A fan was placed to dry the impacted area. This incident is not anticipated to have a significant impact on indoor air quality.
An odor was present near the teacher desk. The odor was traced to a candle stored on a nearby bookshelf.
Room 118 (AHU-3)
The temperature (73.2 F), relative humidity (39.4%), carbon dioxide (433 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall walls (3), a divider, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
One damaged ceiling tile was observed.
Gymnasium (AHU-8 and 9)
The temperature (71.7 F), relative humidity (44.5%), carbon dioxide (776 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The gymnasium is constructed of block walls. The ceiling extends to the roof deck and is finished with "tectum."
Minor staining was observed on the tectum ceiling. The ceiling was scanned with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of active moisture intrusion were observed. The minor staining is not believed to represent an environmental concern (cosmetic).
Cafeteria (AHU-4)
The temperature (72.8 F), relative humidity (41.1%), carbon dioxide (668 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The gym is constructed with block walls and a drop ceiling.
The return grates (in the ceiling) were dusty.
Portable 241
The portable is finished with drywall walls, floor tile, and a drop ceiling.
The temperature (75.5 F), relative humidity (52.0%), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The carbon dioxide (2,958 ppm) would be considered elevated.
A "new" smell common among portables was present. The smell is associated with the off-gassing of new building materials (paint, fiberglass insulation, glues, etc.). Detectable concentrations of VOCs (ranging from 0.0 - 2.0 ppm) were identifed and are likely associated with these newer building materials. These concentrations are considered "low" and the odor is common among HCPSS portables.
Music/Band (AHU-4)
The temperature (73.2 F), relative humidity (39.4%), carbon dioxide (433 parts per million), carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm), and VOCs (0.0 ppm) were acceptable.
The room consists of drywall walls (3), a divider, carpet, and a drop ceiling.
One damaged ceiling tile was observed.
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning
AHU's 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 9 were assessed. AHU-10 is not accessible to Environmental staff due to the location and configuration of the unit. Additionally, various data loggers were also deployed to measure carbon dioxide. The data loggers were operated for approximately one week. Carbon dioxide can be used as an indicator compound to determine is sufficient outdoor air is being delivered to a space. Outdoor air is important to indoor air quality as it dilutes contaminants that are produced in the indoor environment, such as odors released from people and the natural off-gassing of building materials and furnishings. It is these other contaminants that can lead to indoor air quality problems such as odors, increased concentrations of potential allergens, and "stuffiness." Carbon dioxide is not generally found at hazardous levels in the indoor environment.
Unless otherwise noted, extended elevated carbon dioxide levels were not identifed during data logging, the outside air dampers were open, the filters were present, no filter bypass was observed, and no concerns were identifed with the coils or drain pan.
AHU-1
- Minor dust was observed on the coils.
AHU-2
- Extended elevated carbon dioxide levels were detected in two instances.
- Minor dust was observed on the coils.
AHU-3
- Minor dust was observed on the coils.
AHU-4
- No concerns were identifed with the unit.
AHU- 8 and 9
- Minor dust was observed on the coils.
Conclusion
Based on the assessment/observations, measurements, and discussions with staff, the Office of the Environment believes the following to be the most significant as it relates to indoor air quality:
- Portable 241's HVAC system has a fan that is set to run intermittently. This means the delivery of outside air (dilution) occurs intermittently. To address this, Building Maintenance (HVAC) provides two portable HEPA air purifiers to each portable system wide, to include Portable 241. The school's Administration is recommended to ensure that the portable air purifiers are in use. Additionally, there are odors associated with new construction (this is not uncommon). VOCs were detected on March 4, however no VOCs were detected on March 13. It is likely that VOCs fluctuate throughout the day due to varying temperatures and humidity. The Office of the Environment recommended to Building Maintenance (HVAC) that the HVAC unit's fan be operated continuously for a minimum of one week to "flush" the unit. It is not recommended that the fan be operated in this manner in the late Spring/Summer in this region (Mid-Atlantic) as this will increase the potential for indoor mold growth (depending on outdoor weather conditions such as relative humidity, dew point, and temperature). Additionally, the HCPSS supplied air purifiers are equipped with an activated charcoal filter. The use of the air purifiers will assist in reducing/flushing VOCs from the space.
- There is an air purifier that was not issued by HCPSS in Portable 241. The unit has a Ultra-Violet (UV) function which can create by-products such as ozone, which is a respiratory irritant. It is reported that the UV function is not utilized, however the Office of the Environment recommends it be removed to prevent accidental use of the UV function. The portable is already equipped with two HCPSS issue portable High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) purifiers as noted above.
. - Housekeeping can be improved in Room 138 (tech), particularly in the back of the space near the warehouse door. Improvements to housekeeping in the entire room will likely enhance custodial cleaning, which will reduce the amount of general dust and wood dust within the space. Additionally, a dust collection system has been purchased but was not in use during the initial visit. The dust collection system should reduce wood dusts generated from certain tool uses (reduces exposures and reduces housekeeping requirements). It is recommended that the individual speak to their physician and/or allergist to determine if a class that requires cutting/drilling/sanding wood indoors is appropriate/manageable for the individual.
Stained ceiling tiles were observed in Room 103. If not already being addressed, school custodial staff is to submit a work order to Building Maintenance to evaluate, correct source, and replace ceiling tile.
Custodial Services is to replace the damaged ceiling tiles in Rooms 103, 118, and Music.
Administration is to ensure that the staff member who brought in the candle (Room 109) removes it (potential fire hazard).
Custodial Services is to clean the bottom shelf (moveable wooden cabinet) of the excess dust/cobwebs.
Custodial Services is to work with Building Maintenance (HVAC) to remove the return grilles from the ceiling and thoroughly clean.
A work order was created for Building Maintenance to clean the HVAC coils of minor dust.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) is in the process of investigating AHU-2 as a result of the carbon dioxide levels identifed. As of March 18, 2024, no concerns have been identifed with the supply fan status or damper position. Building Maintenance (HVAC) is in the process of assessing the fan motor speed and the Variable Air Volume (VAV) box that serves the space.
Administration is to work with the staff member in Portable 241 and have them:
- Remove the non-issued air purifier due to the UV function.
- Operate the HCPSS issued air purifiers during occupied hours.