April 28, Town of Wilton Board of Education 395 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897

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1 Town of Wilton Board of Education 395 Danbury Road Wilton, CT RE: Indoor Air Quality Assessment Report Miller-Driscoll School 217 Wolf Pit Road, Wilton, Connecticut TRC Project No Board of Education: At your request, TRC Environmental Corporation ( TRC ) performed a full Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment of the Miller-Driscoll School located at 217 Wolf Pit Road, Wilton, Connecticut. TRC investigators Martin Lewis, Certified Industrial Hygienist, Jennifer Peshka, Certified Microbial Consultant, Erik Plimpton, Certified Microbial Consultant and Dennis Ryder, Industrial Hygienist, performed the assessment on March 18-19, 2014 while school was in session. This written report provides the description of investigative survey methods, equipment utilized, laboratory data and interpretation of the data findings. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TRC s Industrial Hygienists conducted a full IAQ building investigation to determine what basic IAQ levels existed in 121 locations in Miller-Driscoll. The survey locations consisted of all accessible occupied rooms and hallways. Ambient outside locations were surveyed for comparison to indoor levels. The IAQ survey consisted of visual inspections of the spaces coupled with baseline IAQ air sampling. Baseline air sampling includes direct instrument readings of comfort level parameters such as: temperature, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), total particulates and relative humidity (RH). Additionally, TRC collected spore trap samples for microbial analysis of fungi/spore counts inside and outside the building over two days. TRC utilized EMLab P&K, an American Industrial Hygienist Association certified microbial laboratory, for analysis of the 121 mold spore trap sample cassettes.

2 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 2 of 65 The baseline air sampling results for comfort parameters of temperature, CO, CO2, total particulates and relative humidity all were within recommended guidelines for schools, noting schools in the northeast region typically have low RH levels during colder months. The microbial analysis results for indoor air samples were all within normal ranges for mold species found in the New England region for the time of year testing occurred. The report findings are consistent with recent report findings and observations of other IAQ consultants conducting a limited building investigation. TRC s Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Microbial Consultants involved with the collection of the samples and laboratory analyses maintain that Miller-Driscoll as surveyed is safe for student and staff occupancy. OBSERVATIONS TRC investigators observed the following conditions at the time of their on-site assessment: Ambient outside clear skies, cool dry temperatures, minimal snow piles in parking lot. Stained ceiling surfaces in room PK-1, south kitchen skylight, skylights in center areas of main pods, room C-10, room N-16 and lower-level room LN-2. Reportedly some minor roof leaks have occurred, resulting in visible water stains on the ceiling s tiles and sheetrock surfaces. Testing with a moisture meter conducted at the time of the survey indicated building materials to be in a normal, dry condition. o In Room PK-1, inspection of the stained ceiling surfaces using a ladder revealed that the ceiling has cement mortar, and the observed stains were spray adhesive glue (not water staining). The staff stated Room PK-1 was an old room that was designed for band music, and the bottom floor level was filled in with cement flooring level with the old first step level. This event would account for the glue and mortar on ceiling. Room S-14 was reported to have an odor on the first day of the survey. TRC investigators observed odor in the afternoon but could not locate a specific source of the odor. It was reported by staff that a propane tank refill occurred outside the room windows in the grass area around noon that day and could have been the source of odor. TRC investigators found no indication that the odor was a result of air conditions inside the school. HVAC unit S-5, which services rooms N-2 and N-4, has filters replaced every 6 months according to staff. TRC investigator inspected unit S-5 and observed filters to be very clean and properly fitting in their holders. Classrooms with functional windows were observed with windows closed during both survey days. Outside doors remained closed during both survey days with the exception of normal use by occupants to exit and enter the building, including for recess. TRC investigators observed the custodial staff vacuuming both days in hallways. No visible dust-loading buildup was observed on classroom surfaces. School was in session with normal classroom activities ongoing during the survey. SAMPLING AND ANALYTICAL METHODS TRC utilized visual/olfactory inspection methods of the building spaces coupled with real-time measurements/analytical sampling to assess what basic IAQ conditions existed. Real-time

3 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 3 of 65 sampling instruments were calibrated before and after each day to ensure sampling equipment was within manufacturer s calibration standards during survey data collection periods. Baseline Indoor Air Quality Parameter Monitoring: Monitoring of baseline IAQ comfort parameters was conducted in the accessible rooms, hallways and ambient areas. Real-time monitor readings for CO, CO2, temperature, and RH were collected using a TSI Q-Trak TM IAQ Monitor Model CO2 is a normal constituent of exhaled breath. When monitored indoors, CO2 can be used as an indicator of whether adequate quantities of fresh outdoor air are being introduced into a building, and whether adequate air supply per occupant is present. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard , Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, recommends the difference between inside and outside concentrations (the delta) of CO2 be no higher than 700 parts per million (ppm). The delta value of 700 ppm equates to approximately 15 cubic feet per minute of supply air per occupant. Ambient concentrations of carbon dioxide generally range from ppm depending on population densities and time of year. If the delta exceeds 700 ppm it does not mean the building is hazardous or should be evacuated, but rather, this level should be a guideline that helps maximize comfort for all occupants. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration s (OSHA) permissible exposure limits (PEL) and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit value (TLV) for CO2 are 5,000 ppm, with concentrations above this level potentially hazardous to human health. CO is a combustion product, often present in buildings with boilers, fuel-burning engines, parking garages, or busy side streets near the fresh air intakes. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause fatigue or drowsiness, nausea, headache, and difficulty breathing when present at elevated levels. OSHA s PEL for CO is 50 ppm for 8 hours of exposure. ACGIH s TLV for CO is 25 ppm for 8 hours of exposure. The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for CO is 9 ppm for 8 hours of exposure and 35 ppm for 1 hour of exposure. Occupants are generally tolerant of room air temperatures between F. ASHRAE Standard 55-20, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, recommends temperatures be maintained between F during warmer summer operative conditions and F in cooler winter operative conditions. RH below 30% may cause specific physiological effects, which lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction with the indoor environment. Potential symptoms include dry and sore nose and throat, bleeding nose, sinus and tracheal irritation, dry scratchy eyes, inability to wear contact lenses, and dry flaking skin. The number of persons affected generally increases as the RH drops below 30%. Low RH may also contribute to an increase in respiratory illness by weakening the defenses provided by the mucous membranes. RH measurements below 30% are normal for seasonal winter conditions in buildings not equipped with humidification systems. Low RH minimizes the risk of microbial amplification inside the building. The dangers of legionella microbial growth and amplification inside humidification systems presents too great a risk to install these systems in schools and office buildings. At the other end of the spectrum, RH readings

4 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 4 of 65 above 60% may promote microbial growth, which can also lead to discomfort and dissatisfaction. Microbial growth may result from carpets, curtains, furniture, and other items in the room absorbing excess moisture, or from condensation forming on materials with cooler surface temperatures. Several organizations have issued recommended guidance on RH levels: the EPA recommends RH be maintained between 30% - 60%, ASHRAE Standard recommends RH be maintained below 65%, the AIHA recommends between 30% - 50% and the ACGIH recommends RH be maintained below 60%. Total Dust Air Sampling Monitoring was conducted with the TSI, DUST-TRAK Aerosol Monitor Model The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for exposure to particulate matter. Particulate matter is airborne solids that can be irritating to the eyes, nose and throat. According to the NAAQS, for particulate matter with a diameter of 10 μm or less (PM10), exposure levels should not exceed 150 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m 3 ) in a 24-hour average. These standards were adopted by both ASHRAE and the Building Officials and Code Administrators International (BOCA). After the ASHRAE and BOCA standards were issued, the EPA established a more stringent standard for fine airborne particles. Under the EPA s standard, for particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 μm or less (PM2.5), outdoor air particle levels must be maintained below 35 μg/m 3 over a 24-hour average. Although both the ASHRAE standard and BOCA Code adopted the PM10 standard for evaluating air quality, TRC recommends using the more protective PM2.5 standard for evaluating airborne particulate matter concentrations in the indoor environment. The United States Green Building Council LEED guidance for PM10 particulates in buildings is 50 μg/m 3. The OSHA PEL for total dust, also known as particulates not otherwise classified, is 15 mg/m 3. Particulate Bioaerosol Monitoring Sampling for particulate bioaerosols (fungal spore, mycelia/hyphal fragments, pollen, fibers and insect parts) was conducted using Air-O-Cell spore trap sampling cassettes, a device designed for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne particles, including fungal spores. The samples were collected at 15 liters per minute for 5 or 10 minute sampling periods using an AP Buck sampling pump. Airborne particulates are drawn through the cassette and directly impacted on an adhesive collection media. The cassettes are then sent to the laboratory for direct microscopic fungal examination via light microscopy at 600X. The Air-O-Cell cassette collects both viable and non-viable fungal spores and the laboratory can identify some of the collected spores down to the genus level as well as identify concentrations of particulate fibers, pollen and insect fragments. Results reflect conditions only at the time samples were taken. Sampling procedures by TRC inspectors follow industry guidelines recommended by ACGIH and AIHA for collection and handling of samples for laboratory analysis. Note: No federal or state standards or guidelines exist for acceptable or hazardous levels of spore counts. As a result, relative level/type comparisons and professional judgments of concentrations compared to typical and ambient levels are utilized to supplement visual inspections in order to provide an assessment.

5 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 5 of 65 The Chain of Custody and Laboratory reports from EMLab P&K are included as Attachment 1. The samples were sent to EMLAB P&K Laboratories in Marlton, New Jersey for analysis. EMLAB P&K Lab is an American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) accredited laboratory for bioaerosol sample analysis. SAMPLING RESULTS/INTERPRETATION The Comfort Parameters Summary is attached below as Table 1, containing baseline air sampling data for each location tested, listed alphabetically. The Microbial Sampling Summary is attached below as Table 2, containing particulate bioaerosol data for each location tested, listed alphabetically. The baseline air sampling results for comfort parameters of temperature, CO, CO2, total particulates and relative humidity all were within recommended guidelines for schools, noting schools in the northeast region typically have low RH levels during colder months. The microbial analysis results for indoor air samples were all within normal ranges for mold species found in the New England region for the time of year testing occurred. The report findings are consistent with recent report findings observed by other IAQ consultants conducting a limited building investigation. TRC s Certified Industrial Hygienist and Certified Microbial Consultants involved with the collection of the samples and laboratory analyses maintain that Miller-Driscoll as surveyed is safe for student and staff occupancy. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Continue to vacuum and clean building to minimize dust buildup in occupied areas. 2. Maintain HVAC systems with filter changes and inspections on periodic basis. 3. Maintain adequate fresh air supply and ventilation conditions per ASHRAE Standards 62 for IAQ and 55 for temperature. 4. Continue to monitor for building material moisture intrusions and investigate source of water intrusion. Any water intrusions should be dried within hours of occurrence to minimize microbial growth. 5. Continue to implement EPA Tools for Schools guidelines to monitor for any IAQ issues.

6 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 6 of 65 TRC appreciates the opportunity to provide you with environmental consulting services. We look forward to working with you on future endeavors. If you have any questions or comments concerning this report, please call TRC at (860) Sincerely, TRC Martin J. Lewis, CIH, CSP, CPEA Senior EHS Project Manager Jennifer Peshka, CMC Project Manager Erik R. Plimpton, P.E., CHMM, CMC East Region Practice Leader Building Sciences & Industrial Hygiene REFERENCES: A. ACGIH Bioaerosols Assessment and Control, B. ASHRAE Standard 62 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality 2010 C. ASHRAE Standard 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, 20. D. SMACNA Indoor Air Quality Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction, E. IESO Standards of Practice for the Assessment of Indoor Environmental Quality, F. EPA Building Air Quality; A Guide for Building Owners and Facility Managers, G. LEED-NC Green Building Rating System for New Construction & Major Renovations ver. 2.2, October 2005 H. EPA Tools for Schools, 2012

7 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 7 of 65 TABLE 1 COMFORT PARAMETERS SUMMARY

8 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 8 of 65 Measurement Location CO2 (ppm) CO (ppm) Temp ( F) RH (%) Total Dust (ug/m 3 ) # of occupants Ambient Ambient Ambient ambient - LC ambient - outside ambient - south side Assistant Principal - Cross Assistant Principal - Dr. Brown Assistant Principal Cross-Conf C C C C C C-14A C C-15 - duplicate C C C C C-5 - staff lounge C C C-7A C C C-9A conference room custodial storage custodian room Daisy Center Firefly Center gym 1 & gym gym 3 office Health Services Hedgies Cottage - central Kitchen

9 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 9 of 65 Measurement Location CO2 (ppm) CO (ppm) Temp ( F) RH (%) Total Dust (ug/m 3 ) # of occupants Ladybug Center LC LC Library library store area LN LN-1A LN LN LN LN main office main storage - lower level Mrs. Carlin Mrs. White - counselor Mulberry Cottage to 15 N N N N N-12A N-12B N N N-14 - duplicate N N-15A N N N N-1A N N N N N N N

10 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 10 of 65 Measurement Location CO2 (ppm) CO (ppm) Temp ( F) RH (%) Total Dust (ug/m 3 ) # of occupants N north café north kitchen PK PK PK PK PK-5 - Mrs. Farber pre-k center pre-k conference room pre-school services office Principal - Jensen-Gerner Psychologist - Mrs. Corso S S S-10A S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S

11 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 11 of 65 Measurement Location CO2 (ppm) CO (ppm) Temp ( F) RH (%) Total Dust (ug/m 3 ) # of occupants S School Psychologist - Mary Henwood Social Worker - Mrs. Schnitzler south cafeteria special ed office Staff Workroom Wonderful Center (varies) Standards OSHA PEL & ACGIH TLV= 5,000; ASHRAE = <700 above ambient ACGIH TLV=25; OSHA PEL=50; NAAQS= <9 ASHRAE Summer= F; Fall & Winter= F ACGIH= <60; ASHRAE =<65, EPA=30-60 OSHA PEL= 15,000 μg/m 3 LEED PM 10= 50 μg/m 3 EPA PM 10= 150 μg/m 3 [24 hr]

12 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 12 of 65 TABLE 2 MICROBIAL SAMPLING SUMMARY

13 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page of 65 Location : Ambient Cladosporium Basidiospores : Ambient LC Cladosporium Alternaria Species : Ambient Cladosporium : Ambient Outside LN Basidiospores Cladosporium : Ambient Cladosporium Epicoccum Total spores/m 3 (rounded) Species spores/m 3 (rounded) : Ambient : Field Blank N/A : Field Blank N/A : Assist Principle Dr. Brown Epicoccum : C1 N/A : C : C11 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : C Cladosporium Basidiospores : C14 Cladosporium : C14-A : C15 Desk Alternaria : C15 (Duplicate) Sink : C16 Cladosporium : C : C : C : C5 (Staff Lounge) N/A

14 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 14 of 65 Location Species Total spores/m 3 (rounded) Species spores/m 3 (rounded) : C6 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : C : C7A Cladosporium : C8 N/A : C9 Other brown : C9A Pithomyces : Mrs Carlin Office : Main Office Conference Rm : Mrs. Corso - Psychologist : Assist Principle Cross : Assist Principle Cross Conference : Custodians Rm - North : Daisy Center : Firefly Center : Principle Jensen -Gerner Cladosporium Penicillium/Aspergillus types Pithomyces Penicillium/Aspergillus types Cladosporium Curvularia Cladosporium Basidiospores N/A N/A : Gym 1&2 Other brown : Gym 3 Curvularia : Gym 3 Office : Health Services : Hedgies Cottage Central Basidiospores Penicillium/Aspergillus types Epicoccum Cladosporium Pithomyces Curvularia

15 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 15 of 65 Location : Ladybug Center Species Basidiospores Pithomyces Other brown Total spores/m 3 (rounded) Species spores/m 3 (rounded) : LC1 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : LC2 Basidiospores Pithomyces : Library Pithomyces : Library Story Rm Cladosporium : LN1 Nigrospora : LN1A Pithomyces Rusts Epicoccum : LN2 Basidiospores : LN3 N/A : LN : LN5 Pithomyces : Main Office : Mulberry Cottage : North Cafe Cladosporium : North Penicillium/Aspergillus types Kitchen : N1 N/A : N10 N/A : N : N12 N/A : N12A Cladosporium Epicoccum : N12B N/A 80 53

16 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 16 of 65 Location Species : N Cladosporium Pithomyces Epicoccum Total spores/m 3 (rounded) : N14 O Kids N/A : N14 Duplicate 48 Kids Species spores/m 3 (rounded) Pithomyces : N15 Other brown : N15A Cladosporium Pithomyces : N : N-17 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : N-18 Cladosporium Alternaria : N1A : N : N : N4 Cladosporium Epicoccum : N5 Curvularia : N6 Epicoccum Curvularia : N : N8 N/A : N : PK5 Mrs Penicillium/Aspergillus types Farber

17 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 17 of 65 Location : Pre K Conference Rm : Pre K - Center Area Species Epicoccum Cladosporium Epicoccum Other brown Curvularia Alternaria Total spores/m 3 (rounded) : Pre K-1 N/A : Pre K : Pre K-3 Cladosporium : Pre K-4 Penicillium/Aspergillus types Cladosporium : Mary Hanwood - Sch. Psychologist : S. Kitchen Epicoccum : S-1 Cladosporium Pithomyces Epicoccum Alternaria Species spores/m 3 (rounded) N/A : S-10 Basidiospores : S10A Penicillium/Aspergillus types : S-11 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : S-12 N/A : S- Penicillium/Aspergillus types Basidiospores Rusts : S-14 Other brown : S : S-16 Cladosporium 53 53

18 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 18 of 65 Location Species Total spores/m 3 (rounded) : S-17 N/A : S-18 Basidiospores : S : S-2 N/A : S-20 Pithomyces : S-21 Basidiospores Epicoccum : S : S-3 N/A : S-4 Cladosporium Species spores/m 3 (rounded) : S-5 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : S-6 Cladosporium : S : S-8 N/A : S-9 Penicillium/Aspergillus types : S. Cafeteria N/A : Mrs. Schnitzler - Social Worker : Pre School Service Office Cladosporium : Sped Office : Staff Workroom : S. Custodial Storage : Main Storage Lower Level : Mrs White - Counselor Penicillium/Aspergillus types N/A

19 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 19 of 65 Location : Wonderful Center Species Penicillium/Aspergillus types Total spores/m 3 (rounded) Species spores/m 3 (rounded) Table 2 Footnotes: N/A = Not Applicable. No spores detected. Spore types listed without a count or data entry were not detected during the course of the analysis for the respective sample. The analytical sensitivity is the spores/m 3 divided by the raw count. The limit of detection is the analytical sensitivity multiplied by the sample volume divided by The spores/m 3 has been rounded to a whole number. Total spores/m 3 has been rounded to two significant figures to reflect analytical precision.

20 Miller-Driscoll IAQ Assessment Report Page 20 of 65 ATTACHMENT 1 MICROBIAL LABORATORY REPORTS WITH CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORMS

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