Indoor Air Quality Testing. Horry County Schools

Transcription

1 ! Report of: Indoor Air Quality Testing Horry y Schools Conway, SC Palme5o EHS Report No: Submi5ed Prepared for: Horry y Schools Prepared By: Palme5o EHS, LLC 100 Old Cherokee Rd. Suite F, Box 163 Lexington, SC (Phone) (Fax)

2 ! Horry y Schools 335 Four Mile Rd. Conway, SC 29528! Safety Industrial Hygiene OSHA Compliance Training Attention: Ms. Tammy Trulove Reference: REPORT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING Palmetto EHS Report No Dear Ms. Trulove: Palmetto EHS, LLC (Palmetto EHS) is pleased to provide the enclosed report for the referenced site. The sampling was conducted on November 30, The report includes an executive summary, investigative methods, results and conclusions. This work was performed in general conformance with Palmetto EHS Proposal Number dated November 6, This report is provided for the sole use of Horry y Schools. Use of this report by any other parties will be at such party's sole risk and Palmetto EHS disclaims liability for any such use or reliance by third parties. The results presented in this report are indicative of conditions only during the time of the sampling period and of the specific areas referenced. We appreciate the opportunity to work with you. If you have any questions concerning this report, please call us at (803) Sincerely, Palmetto EHS, LLC! Rachel Schlachter, MPH, CSP Colleen Eubanks, CIH, CSP, CET EHS Specialist President! Palmetto EHS, LLC 100 Old Cherokee Rd. Ste. F #163 Lexington, SC (Phone) (Fax)

3 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 4 Scope of Work... 4 Materials and Methods... 5 Environmental Parameters... 5 Mold Samples... 5 Results and Discussion... 6 Visual Assessment... 6 Environmental Parameters... 6 Mold Samples... 7 Conclusions and Recommendations... 9 Appendix I Palmetto EHS, LLC! 3

4 Executive Summary Palmetto EHS conducted indoor air quality testing in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, and Room E-104 at St. James Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, SC on November 30, The testing was conducted indoors and outdoors for comparison. We identified the following conditions during our visit: We did not observe visible mold or detect any musty or unusual odors in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, or Room E-104 on the day of our visit. The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity were within normal limits in all of the rooms visited at the time of our testing, however carbon dioxide was on the higher end of normal in the Conference Room. We observed staining on the HVAC return vent, supply diffusers, and the metal around the ceiling tiles surrounding the HVAC supply diffusers in Room E-100. A small amount of dust build up was observed on the HVAC supply diffuser and return vent in Room E-103. Mold spores were not amplified in Room E-103 on November 30, Curvularia mold spores were amplified in the Reading Room and Conference Room, Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold spores were amplified in Room E-100 and Room E-104, and Pithomyces mold spores were amplified in Room E-101 on the day of our visit. Recommendations are provided in the Conclusions and Recommendations section of this report. Scope of Work Palmetto EHS conducted indoor air quality testing in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, and Room E-104 at St. James Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, SC on November 30, The purpose of the sampling was to determine if airborne mold spores were elevated above outdoor levels. We conducted a walk-through visual assessment, environmental parameter testing, and air sampling for mold spores during our visit. Palmetto EHS, LLC! 4

5 Materials and Methods Environmental Parameters Carbon dioxide (CO2), temperature and relative humidity were measured using a TSI IAQ Calc direct reading instrument to determine the relative comfort parameters of the subject area and to evaluate conditions that may promote amplification of microorganisms. The American Society for Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has established guidelines for selected indoor air quality parameters such as temperature, relative humidity (RH) and carbon dioxide (CO2). These environmental parameters are important determinants for occupant s perceptions of thermal comfort, and ASHRAE Standard recommends ranges for temperature and RH that most occupants (>80%) will find comfortable. Acceptable temperature ranges differ from winter to summer and are a function of RH levels that range between 30% and 60%. RH below 30% is unacceptable because of the effect of dry air on the eyes, skin and mucous membranes, and RH above 60% may support the growth of pathogenic or allergenic microorganisms indoors. The following temperature ranges are considered acceptable based on the standard: Summer: 74ºF to 80ºF (for RH = 30%) and 73ºF to ºF (for RH = 60%). Winter: 69ºF to 76ºF (for RH = 30%) and 68ºF to 74ºF (for RH = 60%) The indoor concentration of CO2 is a surrogate for occupant-generated pollutants that may be odorous, and is an indicator of the adequacy of the rate of outside air supply per occupant (dilution ventilation). The higher the indoor concentrations of CO2, the less effective the ventilation system is in dilution of typical indoor air contaminants and body effluents. ASHRAE standard recommends an indoor to outdoor differential concentration of CO2 to be no greater than 700 parts per million (ppm) to meet comfort (odor) criteria. Mold Samples (viable and non-viable) airborne fungal (mold) spores were measured indoors and outdoors using Zefon Air-O-Cell spore traps with a calibrated vacuum pump. Air sampling was performed indoors and outdoors for comparison. The samples were immediately shipped for overnight delivery and analyzed by light microscopy for viable and non-viable mold spores by Scientific Analytical Institute, which is accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA). Microbial testing as a part of this report included testing and analysis for some biological agents commonly present in indoor air. It did not include testing and analysis for all known biological agents. Testing for biological contaminants does not include viruses or bacteria, unless specifically noted otherwise, and then only those viruses and bacteria specified. Palmetto EHS, LLC! 5

6 Results and Discussion Visual Assessment We were asked to collect air samples for mold in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, and Room E-104 at St. James Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, SC on November 30, Ms. Tammy Trulove, Director of Health and Safety Services for Horry y Schools, advised that there had been complaints from faculty/staff that they were having respiratory symptoms, headaches, and watering eyes when working in the Reading Room and Conference Room. In these areas, the ceiling tiles had been removed and replaced, the walls had been painted, the carpet was removed and replaced with tile, a charcoal filter was put into the HVAC system, and a UV light was installed in the ductwork. At the time of our visit, we did not observe any visible mold or detect any musty or unusual odors in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, or Room E-104. We observed staining on the HVAC return vent, supply diffusers, and the metal around the ceiling tiles surrounding the HVAC supply diffusers in Room E-100. We also observed a small amount of dust build up on the HVAC supply diffuser and return vent in Room E-103. Environmental Parameters A summary of the environmental parameters tested (temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide) are provided in Table I. The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity were within normal limits in each of the areas we visited on November 30, 2018, however carbon dioxide was on the higher end of normal in the Conference Room. Table I: Environmental Parameter Results November 30, 2018 Location Carbon Dioxide (ppm) Relative Humidity (Percent) Temperature (Degrees F) Outdoors Criteria < % to 60% degrees F Reading Room Conference Room Room E Room E Room E Room E Palmetto EHS, LLC! 6

7 Mold Samples We are unaware of regulatory requirements pertaining to mold associated with indoor air quality at this time. However, there are recognized guidelines for mold remediation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and New York City Department of Health Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology. Additionally, indoor air quality guidelines have been suggested for remedial decision-making by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH). Some of these guidelines focus on indoor to outdoor comparison, and an evaluation of fungal types. The interpretation of the results normally relies upon the professional conducting the assessment. Airborne microorganisms are ubiquitous; the presence of microorganisms is of undue concern unless they are of a significant concentration or the predominant types found indoors differ from those found outdoors. When indoor levels are significantly elevated in relation to outdoor concentrations, they are considered to be amplified. Therefore, indoor environmental conditions are such that their growth is facilitated. In general, amplification of microorganisms is present when the fungi or bacteria concentration in the air substantially exceeds the outdoor air. Exposure to excessive amounts of some common microorganisms can result in allergic or respiratory irritation in some susceptible individuals. Air sampling was performed indoors and outdoors for comparison. fungal spore (nonviable and viable fungi) concentrations were monitored. Summary results of the air samples are provided in Table II and actual laboratory results are provided in the Appendix. Palmetto EHS, LLC! 7

8 Table II: Mold Air Sampling Results November 30, 2018 Sample Number Location Mold (c/m 3 ) Predominant Types E-M-1 Outdoors 4470 E-M-2 Outdoors 4150 E-M-3 Reading Room 235 Ascospores (2590) Basidiospores (1020) Cladosporium (862) Ascospores (1410) Basidiospores (1880) Cladosporium (705) Cladosporium (157) Curvularia () E-M-4 Conference Room Curvularia () E-M-5 Room E Aspergillus/Penicillium (549) E-M-6 Room E E-M-7 Room E E-M-8 Room E Ascospores () Pithomyces () Ascospores (235) Basidiospores (157) Ascospores () Aspergillus/Penicillium (1250) Cladosporium () Amplification: Indoor levels substantially exceed outdoor levels. Abbreviations: c/m 3 = total mold spore counts per cubic meter, ND= None Detected The total mold spore count in Room E-103 was well below outdoor levels, and mold types detected were similar to those found outdoors.therefore, mold spores were not considered amplified in Room E-103 on the day of our visit. The total mold spore counts in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, and Room E-104 were well below outdoor levels, however, Curvularia mold spores were detected in the Reading Room and Conference Room, Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold spores were detected in Room E-100 and Room E-104, and Pithomyces mold spores were detected in Room E-101, and none of these mold types were detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered amplified in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, and Room E-104 on the day of our visit. Palmetto EHS, LLC! 8

9 Conclusions and Recommendations The results of the visual assessment and testing indicate the following: We did not observe visible mold or detect any musty or unusual odors in the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-101, Room E-103, or Room E-104 on the day of our visit. The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that carbon dioxide, temperature, and relative humidity were within normal limits in all of the rooms visited at the time of our testing, however carbon dioxide was on the higher end of normal in the Conference Room. We observed staining on the HVAC return vent, supply diffusers, and the metal around the ceiling tiles surrounding the HVAC supply diffusers in Room E-100. A small amount of dust build up was observed on the HVAC supply diffuser and return vent in Room E-103. Mold spores were not amplified in Room E-103 on November 30, Curvularia mold spores were amplified in the Reading Room and Conference Room, Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold spores were amplified in Room E-100 and Room E-104, and Pithomyces mold spores were amplified in Room E-101 on the day of our visit. The following recommendations are provided for Room E-103: 1. Clean the HVAC supply diffuser and return vent with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning agent. The following recommendations are provided for the Reading Room, Conference Room, Room E-100, Room E-104, and Room E-101: 1. Thoroughly clean and dry all of the surfaces (walls, floors, furniture, doors, book shelves, desks, chairs, etc) in these rooms with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning agent. This should include a cleaning of any HVAC supply diffusers and return vents, as well as a thorough cleaning and drying of the rugs and any porous items in the rooms (such as upholstered chairs, curtains, pillows, cushions, etc.). This may be performed by the regular cleaning staff as long as appropriate antimicrobial cleaning agents are used for the cleaning, otherwise, you may consider using a mold remediation contractor. 2. Once the cleaning has been completed, replace the HVAC filters. 3. You may consider running one HEPA filtered air scrubber in each room for 3-5 days, however it is not required. 4. Follow up air testing can be performed if requested. 5. We also recommend making adjustments to the HVAC serving the Conference Room to allow more fresh air into the area in order to reduce the carbon dioxide levels. Palmetto EHS, LLC! 9

10 Appendix I Analytical Results Palmetto EHS, LLC! 10

11 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis SAI Method B-SOP-003 Client: Project: Palmetto EHS 100 Old Cherokee Rd Lexington, SC St. James Elem School IAQ Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: Analysis ID: Date Received: Date Reported: _STA 12/03/ /03/2018 Sample ID Lab Sample ID Description Lab Notes Volume(L) Analytical Sensitivity E-M _STA_001 Outdoors E-M _STA_002 Outdoors E-M _STA_003 Reading Room EXTERIOR AVERAGE IDENTIFICATION Ascospores Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like Basidiospores Cladosporium Curvularia Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like Pithomyces % % % % % % % % % % % % % TOTAL Non-Cellulosic Fibers Hyphal Fragments Insect Parts Pollen Skin Cell % of Debris Debris in Background % 0-20% 0-20% % 0-20% 0-20% % % 60-80% % Disclaimer: This report relates only to the samples tested and may not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of SAI. Unless otherwise noted blank sample correction was not performed on analytical results. Scientific Analytical Institute participates in the AIHA EMPAT program for fungi. EMPAT Laboratory ID: Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity. Palmer Hines (8) B-F-028 r15 1/16/2021 Analyst Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc Dundas Dr. Greensboro, NC (336) Approved Signatory Page 1 of 3

12 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis SAI Method B-SOP-003 Client: Project: Palmetto EHS 100 Old Cherokee Rd Lexington, SC St. James Elem School IAQ Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: Analysis ID: Date Received: Date Reported: _STA 12/03/ /03/2018 Sample ID Lab Sample ID Description Lab Notes Volume(L) Analytical Sensitivity E-M _STA_004 Conference Room E-M _STA_005 Room E-100 E-M _STA_006 Room E-101 EXTERIOR AVERAGE IDENTIFICATION Ascospores Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like Basidiospores Cladosporium Curvularia Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like Pithomyces % % % % % % % % TOTAL Non-Cellulosic Fibers Hyphal Fragments Insect Parts Pollen Skin Cell % of Debris Debris in Background % % 40-60% % % 20-40% % % 40-60% % Disclaimer: This report relates only to the samples tested and may not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of SAI. Unless otherwise noted blank sample correction was not performed on analytical results. Scientific Analytical Institute participates in the AIHA EMPAT program for fungi. EMPAT Laboratory ID: Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity. Palmer Hines (8) B-F-028 r15 1/16/2021 Analyst Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc Dundas Dr. Greensboro, NC (336) Approved Signatory Page 2 of 3

13 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis SAI Method B-SOP-003 Client: Project: Palmetto EHS 100 Old Cherokee Rd Lexington, SC St. James Elem School IAQ Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: Analysis ID: Date Received: Date Reported: _STA 12/03/ /03/2018 Sample ID Lab Sample ID Description Lab Notes Volume(L) Analytical Sensitivity E-M _STA_007 Room E-103 E-M _STA_008 Room E-104 EXTERIOR AVERAGE IDENTIFICATION Ascospores Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like Basidiospores Cladosporium Curvularia Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like Pithomyces % % % % % % % % % TOTAL Non-Cellulosic Fibers Hyphal Fragments Insect Parts Pollen Skin Cell % of Debris Debris in Background % 60-80% 40-60% % % 40-60% % Disclaimer: This report relates only to the samples tested and may not be reproduced, except in full, without the written approval of SAI. Unless otherwise noted blank sample correction was not performed on analytical results. Scientific Analytical Institute participates in the AIHA EMPAT program for fungi. EMPAT Laboratory ID: Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity. Palmer Hines (8) B-F-028 r15 1/16/2021 Analyst Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc Dundas Dr. Greensboro, NC (336) Approved Signatory Page 3 of 3