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: December 16, 2025 and January 23, and March 3, 2026
The Office of the Environment walked several areas and spoke with occupants. Occupants reported visible particulate as well as block falling from the ceiling area in the Building C Hallway. It was reported that "white" dust was located on horizontal surfaces in the Administration area after the event.
No odors, visible airborne particulate, accumulated dust, or obvious indications of construction related activities impacting the occupant portions of the building were identifed.
Based on the description of the event, the Office of the Environment theorized that there was a lack of containment on the occupied side of the building when the block walls were cut to incorporate new ductwork. This could have caused airborne dust on the occupied side if the cutting occurred on the renovation side of the building without any containment or local exhaust.
The Office of the Environment spoke with the renovation Superintendent who indicated that block cutting occurred and was completed over the Summer. The Superintendent indicated that some small pieces of block had fallen in the Building C Hallway as reported due to some grouting occurring on the opposite wall. Based on this information, the Office of the Environment does not believe the block to be the cause of the concern.
The Office of the Environment also theorized that the concern could be related to drywall/joint compound activities (particularly sanding). It was reported that drywall finishing actives are complete as of December 22. It was also reported that vacuums and air scrubbers (High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA)) were utilized during sanding. Additionally, the construction areas are sealed from the occupied areas to prevent smoke from reaching occupants in the event of a fire. It was reported that the barrier (caulked) was inspected by the Fire Marshal.
Given that activities that would produce significant dust (demolition and drywall sanding) are substantially complete, the work practices in place (prompt clean up/air scrubbers), and due to the construction barrier that is already in place, it does not appear additional action is warranted to prevent a future airborne dust incident.
Please feel free to contact the Office of the Environment immediately should the event occur in the future. If available, the Office of the Environment will investigate.
After additional conversations with the concerned individual, some general concern was communicated about the administrative office. The Office of the Environment performed a general assessment of the administrative area.
A faint odor was identifed in the space, indicative of an air freshener. An air freshener (plug in type) was eventually identified in the area.
A disinfectant spray was identifed in the Administration bathroom.
The supply diffusers were qualitatively assessed and were delivering air to the space.
No elevated moisture was detected in the carpet or exterior wall.
A thermal imaging screening was conducted. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture intrusion were identifed.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) was onsite at the time of the assessment. The outdoor air dampers were operating in the minimum position due to the cold temperatures (economizer). Some of the fiberglass sound liner had been dislodged from the walls of the unit. This dislodged sound liner was removed upon discovery. The Office of the Environment requested any remaining sound liner be removed and reinsulated as a precaution.
March 3, 2026
The Office of the Environment screened the construction area (Building C) for VOCs. No VOCs were detected in the construction area. Additionally, the Office of the Environment observed the construction barriers to be in place and caulked.
Administration was informed of the non-issued disinfectant spray and odorizer and to direct that the individual(s) who brought them in to remove them.
A work order was created to increase the minimum outside air damper position to try to deliver additional outside air to the space.