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Indoor Air Quality Survey Report

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District

Highlands Elementary

SURVEY LOCATION: 200 E Wallisville Road Highlands, Texas 77562

PROJECT NUMBER: 9900

PROJECT CONTACT: Mike Rasmussen

SURVEY DATE: October 6, 2017

PROJECT MANAGER: Ronald E. Fife

REPORT DATE: October 17, 2017

REPORT PREPARED BY: Ronald E. Fife, MAC

VERSION: Final

TXDSHS Mold Assessment Consultant License: MAC0229 Expires: 01/15/2018

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 2 October 17, 2017 9900

Indoor Air Quality Survey Report

Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District

Highlands Elementary

ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

On October 6, 2017, Ronald E. Fife, Field Services Consultant with Total Safety U.S. Inc. (Total Safety), and

Texas Department of State Health Services Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC), performed an

Indoor Air Quality Survey of Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room 102 and inside rooms 103

and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. The purpose of the survey activities was to

collect direct read measurements in selected areas from inside and outside the building for temperature,

relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, to collect surface samples from any observed suspect

visible mold, and to visually inspect the HVAC system for dirty components or filters, blocked or poorly

positioned diffusers or grilles, and any standing water or condensation.

On January 1, 2005, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) instituted the Texas Mold

Assessment and Remediation Rules (25 TAC §§295.301-295.338), requiring that all companies and

individuals who perform mold-related activities obtain an appropriate license from the State. DSHS

defines a mold assessment as follows: A Mold Assessment involves an inspection of a building to evaluate

whether mold growth is present, and to what extent. Samples may be taken to determine the amount

and types of mold that are present; however, sampling is not necessary in many cases. A Mold Assessment

Consultant (MAC) is responsible for developing a mold remediation protocol that specifies the estimated

quantities and locations of materials to be remediated, the proposed methods to use and clearance

criteria that must be met. Attachment 1 contains the DSHS Consumer Mold Information Sheet.

SURVEY AND ANALYSIS METHODS

Total Fungal Air Samples

Total Safety collected four (4) samples from within Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room 102

and inside rooms 103 and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. One (1) additional

sample was collected outdoors, for comparison purposes. The air. samples were collected using a Buck

Bio-Aire Bioaerosol sampling pump operating at a flow rate of 15 liters per minute (lpm) to draw ambient

air across an Allergenco-D Disposable IAQ Air Monitoring Cassette. The Allergenco-D Disposable IAQ Air

Monitoring Cassette collects both viable and non-viable mold spores. All samples were collected using a

sampling time of 5 minutes. Results are presented in Table 2.

All samples were analyzed via light microscopy at the standardized magnification of 300X and 600X. The

results include both viable (live) and non-viable (dead) fungal spores. This technique does not allow for

the differentiation between Aspergillus and Penicillium spores because they are morphologically identical.

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 3 October 17, 2017 9900

Additionally, the technique does not allow for cultivation, or the identification of spores to the species

level, except in a few cases.

Direct Reading Instrument Samples

A TSI Q-Trak, Model 7565-X (serial number 7565X0819016) was used to measure temperature, relative

humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide levels. This unit contains a non-dispersive infrared sensor for

determining carbon dioxide levels, an electrochemical sensor for determining carbon monoxide levels, a

thermistor for temperature, and a thin-film capacitive sensor for relative humidity measurement.

OBSERVATIONS

Highlands Elementary

Highlands Elementary is constructed of a concrete slab, with carpeting and / or floor tile, brick

exterior walls, sheetrock interior walls, and a lay-in ceiling tile grid system.

It was reported that there were musty smells and allergic type reactions in the rooms / areas.

It was also reported that there may have been past roof leaks.

Relative Humidity (RH) readings were collected from within the building and the measurements

ranged from 53% to 57%.

Table 1 contains the measurements collected during the sampling of within Rooms 121, open area outside

Room 102, Room 102 and inside rooms 103 and 104 and the outdoors from Highlands.

Table 1: Direct Instrument Readings

Sample Location Temperature

(Fo) RH (%)

CO2

(ppm) CO

(ppm)

Outdoors 94 39 3186 0.0

Room 121 70 53 850 0.2

Area outside of Room 102 67 55 1088 0.0

Room 102, By Teachers Desk 70 57 1126 0.0

Inside Rooms 103 and 104 where partition is located

70 23 1089 0.0

Total Mold Spore Counts

A total of four (4) samples were collected from within Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room

102 and inside rooms 103 and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. One (1) additional

sample was collected outdoors, for comparison purposes. Results are presented in Table 2; laboratory

analytical results and are found in Attachment 2.

Total mold spore counts indoor measurements ranged from 13 counts per cubic meter of air (cts/m3) to

160 cts/m3; the outdoor level measured 9,540 cts/m3. There are no standards for airborne spore counts;

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 4 October 17, 2017 9900

industry standard is to compare total numbers and species identified indoors to those identified outdoors.

The interior sample, the types of spores were comparable to those found outside. The quantities were

well below quantities identified outside.

Table 2. Total Mold Spore Air Sample Results

FOR

COMPARISON INDOORS

Sample Number GCCISD100617

RF-01 GCCISD100617

RF-02 GCCISD100617

RF-03 GCCISD100617

RF-04 GCCISD100617

RF-05

Sample Location Outdoors Room 121 Area Outside of Room 102

Room 102, By Teachers Desk

Between Room 103 and 104

Species Total Concentration (cts/m3)

Alternaria 67 - - - -

Ascospores 427 - - - -

Basidiospores 5,440 - - - -

Bipolaris - - - -

Cercospora-like 40 - - -

Chaetomium - - - -

Cladosporium 3,110 - - -

Curvularia 107 13 93 107 27

Drechslera-like 27 - - 27 -

Epicoccum - - - - -

Fusarium 93 - - - -

Memnoniella - - - - -

Nigrospora 53 - - - -

Oidium / Erysiphe - - - - -

Penicillium/Aspergillius - - - - -

Peronospora - - - - -

Pithomyces/Ulocladium 27 - - 13 -

Rust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia 40 - - 13 -

Spegazzinia 27 - 13 - -

Stachybotrys - - - - -

Tetraploa 13 - - - -

Torula 67 - - - -

Unidentified - - - - -

Total Count 9,540 13 107 160 27

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 5 October 17, 2017 9900

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Relative humidity levels were all lower than 65% in the areas sampled

2. The areas sampled have not been adversely impacted by fungal contamination.

3. The temperature levels were within acceptable parameters and recommended regulatory

guideline; no further action is required.

4. The indoor carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels were within acceptable parameters and

recommended regulatory guidelines; no further action is required.

5. Suspect visible mold was not observed in the areas sampled.

6. The HVAC supply and Return vents were free of dust, dirt and debris.

REFERENCES

AIHA. (2008). Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor Mold. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial

Hygiene Association.

ASHRAE. (2013). Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,

Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.

IICRC. (2008). Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Vancouver, WA:

Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.

TDSHS. (2007, May 20). Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules. Retrieved August 4, 2011, from

Mold Program Rules and Regulations: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/rules.shtm

Attachments

Attachment 1 Consumer Mold Information Sheet

Attachment 2 Laboratory Sample Results

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary January 27, 2017 9900

Attachment 1

Consumer Mold Information Sheet

Page 1 of 2 Publication #18-12049 Rev. 03/14

CONSUMER MOLD INFORMATION SHEET Regulation of Mold Assessment and Remediation in Texas

State rules require licensed mold assessors and remediators to give a copy of this Consumer Mold Information Sheet to each client

and to the property owner, if not the same person, before starting any mold-related activity [25 TAC 295.306(c)] .

How does Texas regulate businesses that do

testing for mold or that do mold cleanup?

The Department of State Health Services

(DSHS) regulates such businesses in accordance

with the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1958.

Under the Texas Mold Assessment and

Remediation Rules (Rules) (25 Tex. Admin. Code

Sections 295.301 - 295.338), all companies and

individuals who perform mold-related activities in

Texas must be licensed by DSHS unless exempt.

(See Page 2 regarding owner exemptions.)

Applicants must meet certain qualifications, have

required training, and pass a state exam in order to

receive their licenses. Mold remediation workers

must have training and be registered with DSHS.

Laboratories that analyze mold samples must also

be licensed and meet certain qualifications. The

Rules set minimum work standards and require

licensees to follow a code of ethics. To prevent

conflicts of interest, the Rules also prohibit a

licensee from conducting both mold assessment and

mold remediation on the same project. While the

Rules regulate the activities of mold licensees when

they are doing mold-related activities, the Rules do

not require any property owner or occupant to clean

up mold or to have it cleaned up.

How can I know if someone is licensed?

A licensed individual is required to carry a

current DSHS photo identification card with the

license number on it. A search tool and listings of

currently licensed companies and individuals can be

found at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/profession.shtm.

What is “mold assessment?”

Mold assessment is an inspection of a

building by a mold assessment consultant or

technician to evaluate whether mold growth is

present and to what extent. Samples may be taken

to determine the amount and types of mold that are

present; however, sampling is not necessary in

many cases. When mold cleanup is necessary a

licensed mold assessment consultant can provide

you with a mold remediation protocol. A protocol

must specify the estimated quantities and locations

of materials to be remediated, methods to be used

and clearance criteria that must be met.

What is meant by “clearance criteria?” Clearance criteria refer to the level of

“cleanliness” that must be achieved by the persons

conducting the mold cleanup. You should

understand and agree with the mold assessment

consultant prior to starting the project as to what an

acceptable clearance level will be, including what

will be acceptable results for any air sampling or

surface sampling for mold. There are no national

or state standards for a “safe” level of mold. Mold

spores are a natural part of the environment and are

always present at some level in the air and on

surfaces all around us.

What is “mold remediation?”

Mold remediation is the cleanup and

removal of mold growth from surfaces and/or

contents in a building. It also refers to actions taken

to prevent mold from growing back. Licensed

mold remediation contractors must follow a mold

remediation protocol as described above and their

own mold remediation work plan that provides

specific instructions and/or standard operating

procedures for how the project will be done.

Before a remediation project can be deemed

successful, a mold assessment consultant must

conduct a post-remediation assessment. This is an

inspection to ensure that the work area is free from

all visible mold and wood rot, the project was

completed in compliance with the remediation

protocol and remediation work plan, and that it

meets all clearance criteria that were specified in the

protocol. The assessment consultant must give you

a passed clearance report documenting the results

of this inspection. If the project fails clearance,

further remediation as prescribed by a consultant

will be necessary.

Page 2 of 2 Publication #18-12049 Rev. 03/14

What is a Certificate of Mold Damage

Remediation? No later than 10 days after a mold

remediation project has passed a clearance

inspection, the remediation contractor must sign and

give you a Certificate of Mold Damage

Remediation. The licensed mold assessment

consultant who conducted the post-remediation

assessment must also sign the certificate. The

consultant must truthfully state on the certificate

that the mold contamination identified for the

project has been remediated and whether the

underlying cause of the mold has been corrected.

(That work may involve other types of professional

services that are not regulated by the mold Rules,

such as plumbing or carpentry.) Receiving a

certificate documenting that the underlying cause of

the mold was remediated is an advantage for a

homeowner. It prevents an insurer from making an

underwriting decision on the residential property

based on previous mold damage or previous claims

for mold damage. If you sell your property, the law

requires that you provide the buyer a copy of all

certificates you have received for that property

within the preceding five years.

How is a property owner protected if a mold

assessor or remediator does a poor job or

actually damages the property?

The Rules require licensees to have

commercial general liability insurance in the

amount of $1 million, or to be self-insured, to cover

any damage to your property. Before hiring anyone

you should ask for proof of such insurance

coverage. You may wish to inquire if the company

carries additional insurance, such as professional

liability/errors and omissions (for consultants) or

pollution insurance (for contractors), that would

provide additional recourse to you should the

company fail to perform properly.

How is my confidentiality protected if I share

personal information about myself with a

company?

Under the code of ethics in the Rules, to the

extent required by law, licensees must keep

confidential any personal information about a client

(including medical conditions) obtained during the

course of a mold-related activity. Further, you may

be able to negotiate a contract to include language

that other personal information be kept confidential

unless disclosure “is required by law.” However,

licensees are required to identify dates and

addresses of projects and other details that can

become public information.

How do I file a complaint about a company? Anyone who believes a company or

individual has violated the Rules can file a

complaint with DSHS. For information on this

process and/or to obtain the complaint form, call 1-

800-293-0753, or download the form at

www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/complaint.shtm.

Can property owners do mold assessment or

remediation on their own property without being

licensed?

Yes. A homeowner can take samples for

mold or clean it up in the home without a license.

An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an

owner of a residential property is not required to be

licensed, unless the property has 10 or more

residential dwelling units. For non-residential

properties, an owner or tenant, or a managing agent

or employee of an owner or tenant, is not required

to be licensed to do mold assessment or remediation

on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant,

unless the mold contamination affects a total

surface area of 25 contiguous square feet or more.

Please refer to 25 TAC §295.303 for further details

on exceptions and exemptions to licensing

requirements.

For more information about mold and the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules, contact:

Texas Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 149347, MC 1987, Austin, TX 78714-9347.

Phone: 512-834-6787 or 800-293-0753. Fax: 512-834-6726. www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold

GCCISD – Highlands Elementary January 27, 2017 9900

Attachment 2

Laboratory Sample Results

J3 Order #:Project #:

Receipt Date:Analysis Date:

Report Date:

Raw Count Spores / m3% Raw Count Spores / m3

% Raw Count Spores / m3 %

5 67 < 132 427 4

408 5440 573 40 < 1

233 3110 338 107 1 1 13 100 7 93 882 27 < 1

7 93 < 1

4 53 < 1

2 27 < 13 40 < 12 27 < 1 1 13 13

1 13 < 15 67 < 1

715 9540 100 1 13 100 8 107 100

Raw Count Raw Count Raw Count

5 118 1

Analyst:Lee Poye

16-Oct-2017

These results relate only to the samples submitted and were received in acceptable condition unless stated otherwise. The laboratory is not responsible for concentrations which dependend on volume collected by non-laboratory personnel. Samples are analyzed according to J3 SOP# 7-03-2, which includes a 100% scan of the trace at 200X magnification and a minimum of 20% of the trace counted at 400X magnification. Debris rank indicates loading of particulates, both biological and non-biological, which may interfere with analysis. High debris rankings (4+) may obscure small spores and/or prevent the adherence of airborne particulates. Fungal counts on samples with high debris or 'overloaded' rankings should be regarded as minimal with actual counts being higher than reported. Blank corrections are not applied to data unless requested by the customer. LOD = Limit of Detection. N/A = Not Applicable.

Pollen 240 13Hyphal Fragments 67 13

Particles / m3 Particles / m3 Particles / m3

TotalsMISCELLANEOUS PARTICLES DETAIL

Duane Salinas QA Officer

Unidentified Spores

TetraploaTorula

SpegazziniaStachybotrys

Pithomyces/UlocladiumRust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia

OidiumPenicillium/Aspergillus-like

MemnoniellaNigrospora

EpicoccumFusarium

CurvulariaDrechslera-like

ChaetomiumCladosporium

BasidiosporesCercospora-like

AlternariaAscospores

INDIVIDUAL FUNGAL SPORE DETAIL

Limit of Detection (Particles/m3) 13 13 13

Total Fungal Count (Spores/m3) 9540 13 107

Location Highlands Elementary, Outdoors Highlands Elementary, Room 121 Highlands Elementary, Outside Room 102

Volume (liters) 75 75 75Debris Rank (0-5) 3 3 3

GCCISD/Highland ElementarySample Number GCCISD100617RF-01 GCCISD100617RF-02 GCCISD100617RF-03

La Porte, TX 77571

Spore Trap Report - Total Airborne Fungal SporesRonald FifeTotal Safety EHS Services

JP171002841990009-Oct-201715-Oct-2017

J3 Resources, Inc.3113 Red Bluff Rd. Pasadena, TX 77503

Phone: (713) 290-0223 – Fax: (832) 831-5669j3resources.com

11111 Hwy 225

TDSHS Mold License LAB0133 Page 1 of 2

J3 Order #:Project #:

Receipt Date:Analysis Date:

Report Date:

Raw Count Spores / m3% Raw Count Spores / m3

% Raw Count Spores / m3 %

8 107 67 2 27 1002 27 17

1 13 81 13 8

12 160 100 2 27 100

Raw Count Raw Count Raw Count

42

Analyst:Lee Poye

These results relate only to the samples submitted and were received in acceptable condition unless stated otherwise. The laboratory is not responsible for concentrations which dependend on volume collected by non-laboratory personnel. Samples are analyzed according to J3 SOP# 7-03-2, which includes a 100% scan of the trace at 200X magnification and a minimum of 20% of the trace counted at 400X magnification. Debris rank indicates loading of particulates, both biological and non-biological, which may interfere with analysis. High debris rankings (4+) may obscure small spores and/or prevent the adherence of airborne particulates. Fungal counts on samples with high debris or 'overloaded' rankings should be regarded as minimal with actual counts being higher than reported. Blank corrections are not applied to data unless requested by the customer. LOD = Limit of Detection. N/A = Not Applicable.

Duane Salinas QA Officer

Hyphal Fragments 53Pollen 27

TotalsMISCELLANEOUS PARTICLES DETAIL

Particles / m3 Particles / m3 Particles / m3

MemnoniellaNigrosporaOidiumPenicillium/Aspergillus-likePithomyces/UlocladiumRust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia

SpegazziniaStachybotrysTetraploaTorulaUnidentified Spores

Fusarium

INDIVIDUAL FUNGAL SPORE DETAIL

AlternariaAscosporesBasidiosporesCercospora-likeChaetomiumCladosporiumCurvulariaDrechslera-likeEpicoccum

Limit of Detection (Particles/m3) 13 13

Total Fungal Count (Spores/m3) 160 27

Location Highlands Elementary, Room 102, By Teacher's Desk Highlands Elementary, Between Rooms 103&104

Volume (liters) 75 75Debris Rank (0-5) 4 2

La Porte, TX 77571 15-Oct-201716-Oct-2017

GCCISD/Highland ElementarySample Number GCCISD100617RF-04 GCCISD100617RF-05

Ronald Fife JP171002841Total Safety EHS Services 990011111 Hwy 225 09-Oct-2017

J3 Resources, Inc.3113 Red Bluff Rd. Pasadena, TX 77503

Phone: (713) 290-0223 – Fax: (832) 831-5669j3resources.com

Spore Trap Report - Total Airborne Fungal Spores

TDSHS Mold License LAB0133 Page 2 of 2