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: June 11, 13, and 17, 2019
An odor was not detected during the visits.
The carpet and wood casework along the exterior wall did not exhibit any moisture concerns when using moisture meters.
The cement wall near the middle window exhibited salts and blistering paint due to moisture intrusion. Rust is forming in the one corner of the window's lentil.
The one window had condensate within the panes (not on exposed exterior or interior surfaces of the glass). This is a sign the window has failed and lost its insulating property.
Mold growth was not observed on inspected surfaces.
The area above the drop ceiling was found to be acceptable.
The cleanliness of the unit ventilator was acceptable. It could not be determined if the unit's outdoor air damper was functional.
A data logger was placed in the room from June 13 to July 16, 2019 to record temperature and relative humidity within the room to see if any trends that may influence an odor. The temperature and humidity levels were acceptable during the school day.
A carbon dioxide measurement was collected on June 17 approximately 11:00 a.m. Although the classroom was empty, the carbon dioxide measurement was 1,600 parts per million (ppm). The measurement was collected to assess operation of the outdoor air damper. Outdoor air is to assist with diluting human occupancy related odors. An acceptable measurement that day (takes into consideration carbon dioxide level outdoors + 700 ppm) would be approximately 1,155 ppm.
The odor encountered may be a result of lack of outdoor air, buildup of body odors, and / or an inherent odor related to the carpet that can be influenced by varying temperature and relative humidity (may be first thing in the morning before ventilation had a chance to reduce off-hours humidity and temperatures which is dependent on weather).
Building Services is to review and ensure the classroom's unit ventilator's outdoor air damper is operating as sequenced.
Building Services is to evaluate and address the window forming condensate within the panes of glass.
Building Services will evaluate and address the moisture impacting the cement block wall and the window's metal lentil.
Staff should not attach any laminate / glossy items on the exterior wall where moisture intrusion is impacting the cement block wall. This will avoid possible mold growth forming on the back side of the laminate / glossy item.