Concern: Atholton Elementary School: April 1st, 2025 (CXXAES2025000343)

Location
116
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
The Office of the Environment performed an assessment of the space in relation to an odor. A potential source was identifed and removed (IEQ Concern #CXXAES202500033E), however general health symptoms are now being reported.
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: April 1, 2025

The Office of the Environment had already assessed the space previously on February 28 and March 21, 2025. Based on an interviews with the concerned individual, the following additional assessment was conducted:

  • Install a data logger to measure carbon dioxide in the space (an indicator of ventilation).  
  • Determine if the adjoining bathroom may have been impacted by a leak that occurred in January 2025.
  • Assess a bulletin board that appears "warped." 

Data Logger/Carbon Dioxide

A data logger was installed on April 1, 2025 and operated unti April 10, 2025. Elevated carbon dioxide was not detected. No further action appears warranted in association with ventilation/outdoor air. 

Adjoining Bathroom

The adjoining bathroom has an access panel. The access panel was opened so that the top of the ceiling could be assessed. No mold growth or moldy/musty odors were identifed above the drop ceiling. Due to the construction of the ceiling, some areas are not visible. However, there is a block wall separating Room 116 and the bathroom (even above the drop ceiling). The historic leak does not appear to be a contributing factor to the health concern as a significant exposure pathway between the bathroom and the classroom does not exist.

Bulletin Board

On April 8, 2025 Building Maintenance (Carpentry) removed the bulletin board (closest to the door) from the wall so that the backside could be assessed. No mold growth, visible water damage, or moldy/musty odors were identified. 

Corrective Actions
April 16th, 2025

The carpet in the space was cleaned on April 16, 2025 as a precaution. 

Closed
Yes
Tracking Number
CXXAES2025000343