Concern: Atholton Elementary School: September 12th, 2018 (CXXAES2018000040)

Location
Room 125 and 126
Date of IEQ Report Form
Date of Report
Concern
The Office of the Environment identified relative humidity mold in Room 126 while onsite for another purpose.

Note: The Office of the Environment has recently transitioned to a new Online IEQ platform (as of August 2018). The new platform does not allow the back-dating of IEQ concerns. This concern is inappropriately dated September 12, 2018. The concern should be dated August 14, 2018.
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) Investigated: August 14, 15, 16, 2018

Relative humidity mold was observed underneath shelving in Room 126. 

Several other areas of the school were inspected. The "start" of relative humidity mold was observed on the underside of a table in Room 125. No other areas were observed to be impacted.

Building Services (HVAC) assessed the units that serve Rooms 125 and 126. No deficiencies were identified. 

The cause of the relative humidity mold growth was likely due to the extremely humid Mid-Atlantic weather pattern that occurred the Summer of 2018.

Corrective Actions
August 16th, 2018

A board-approved restoration contractor cleaned/disinfected surfaces (tables, shelves, bookcases, chairs, etc.) within Rooms 125 and 126. Air-scrubbers equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters were operated during the cleaning and for approximately 24-hours after the cleaning took place. Dehumidifiers were also placed in the room. The dehumidifiers were left in-place until August 24, 2018.

The Office of the Environment will monitor these rooms during the Summer of 2019.

Closed
Yes
Date Closed
Tracking Number
CXXAES2018000040