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: May 30 & 31, 2024
On May 28th, the custodian observed a ceiling leak and contacted building maintenance to address. Building maintenance reported that a pipe union failed and began leaking. Building Maintenance corrected the leak.
No porous materials other than ceiling tiles and carpet were reported to be impacted.
The ceiling tiles were discarded.
The carpet was extracted and two blower fans were placed to assist with the drying process on the day the leak was identified.
The Office of the Environment received a forwarded email from a concerned parent on May 30, 2024 indicating an odor was sensed and believed to be associated with the leak in the media center.
May 30, 2024
The Office of the Environment visited the site on May 30, 2024.
The temperature (75.5 F), relative humidity (43.4%), carbon dioxide (950 ppm), and carbon monoxide (0.0 ppm) were measured and found to be acceptable with general industry standards.
Based on conversation with the librarian, a "musty" odor was sensed on May 28th and May 29th. No odor was observed on May 30th by the librarian.
The Office of the Environment did not identify a mal odor on May 30, 2024. However, it is not uncommon for wet carpet to have an odor.
The carpeted areas and rug near the area of the leak were checked with a moisture sensor and elevated moisture was not identified.
May 31, 2024
The Office of the Environment returned to the media center to check the area again as a precaution.
No stained ceiling tiles were observed.
No porous materials above the ceiling were observed.
No mal odors were identified in the media center or above the drop ceiling.
The Office of the Environment does not believe further action is warranted due to the following:
- Building Maintenance/Custodial personnel appeared to have followed standard operating procedures by extracting and placing air movers on carpeted areas upon discovery.
- The areas were confirmed dry by the Office of the Environment.
- The Office of the Environment did not identify mal-odors or visible evidence of mold during their assessment.
Building Maintenance repaired the cause of the leak.
Carpet was extracted and fans were placed to assist with drying.
Damaged ceiling tiles were removed and new ceiling tiles were replaced after source of leak was addressed.