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 of Assessment: March 25, 26, and 27, 2021
Upon initial inspection a slight "stale" odor was noted within the space.
A storage closet containing custodial equipment adjoins the space. The storage closet was assessed for odors, no significant/out of the ordinary odors were identified.
The temperature of the space was in the low 80's (too high).
The Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning system was not operational during the time of the initial assessment.
The area was screened with a thermal infrared camera. No thermal anomalies indicative of moisture issues were identified.
The Office of the Environment spoke with Building Maintenance (HVAC). The HVAC department visited the site on March 26 and corrected the non-operational unit (WO #192367).
The Office of the Environment visited the site on May 26. The HVAC system was found to be running and a slight "air conditioning" odor was sensed.
The area was screened with a Photo-Ionization Detected (PID, 10.6 eV). No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) were detected.
The Office of the Environment returned on May 27. The HVAC system was running and no odors were identified in the space. The odor likely occurred due to the lack of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Elevated temperatures, humidity, and lack of outside air can influence materials within the space and cause nuisance odors.
No further action appears to be warranted.
Building Maintenance (HVAC) corrected the non-operational HVAC unit.