Concern: Atholton High School: July 1st, 2024 (CXXAHS2024000305)

Location
F189
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
Visible mold on cove base identified during the school's annual IEQ Walkthrough.
IEQ Investigation Process

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)
Findings

Date(s) of Assessment: June 14 and July 1, 2024

During the IEQ Walkthrough, the Office of the Environment observed cove base to be detached from the wooden kick plate associated with the cabinetry.

Upon closer assessment, the Office of the Environment observed the presence of mold growth (less than 3 square feet) on the wooden kickplate where the detached cove base had been previously.

A definitive cause was not identified; however, the leak could have occurred from an incidental spill or too much water being used during custodial floor care activities.  

The kickplate is currently dry per moisture meter and no additional moisture sources were identified. The growth is believed to be historical.  

A board-approved restoration contractor removed the cove base and impacted kickplate from the work area on June 29th and June 30th. During the removal additional mold growth was identified on wooden cabinet supports (inaccessible without removing cabinet, which was not part of the original scope). The contractor contacted the Office of the Environment on July 1, 2024 to inform that further removal of the cabinetry would be necessary. 

The Office of the Environment visited the site to assess additional mold impacted components. The Office of the Environment observed approximately eight (8) square feet of visible mold on cabinet supports. 

The Office of the Environment submitted a work order to Building Maintenance to remove  mold impact supports as well as replace supports, kickplates, and cove base (required cabinet removal). 

On July 12, 2024, Building Maintenance removed mold impacted supports and replaced supports, kick plates, and cove base. 

On July 15, 2024, The Office of the Environment observed that cove base and kick plates were replaced. 

No further action as it relates to microbial growth is warranted.

Corrective Actions
July 1st, 2024

On July 12, 2024, Building Maintenance removed mold impacted supports and replaced supports, kick plates, and cove base. 

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXXAHS2024000305