NIOSH Report on Oak Ridge School

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From: , L. (CDC/NIOSH/DRDS) [mailto:feu2@...]

Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2009 12:32 PM

Becoats, J

Cc: , L. (CDC/NIOSH/DRDS); -Ganser, (CDC/NIOSH/DRDS);

Park, Ju-Hyeong

(CDC/NIOSH/DRDS)

Subject: HETA 2009-0172 - Requested summary of findings dicussed during

the breakfast meeting on July 16,

2009.

Dr. Becoats,

As requested, below is a summary of our interim findings discussed during

the breakfast meeting on July

16, 2009.

We noted a strong musty, moldy odor from the basement and crawl space

under the media center. Lime

was observed on the crawl space floor. We also occasionally noted a musty

smell in the corridor around

the media center in particular near the school museum. We discussed that

this problem should be

mitigated such that no air from the basement and crawl space reaches the

occupied space.

We noted surface drainage issues around the school mainly between the 2/3

and 4/5 wings. Additionally,

a storm drain outside the media center was blocked with standing water in

it. Such issues may lead to

water infiltrating the concrete slab. We discussed that these problems be

addressed.

The foam roof on the old section of the school had multiple damaged areas,

and there did not appear to be

adequate flashing at the junction between Room 206 and the Gym. Inside the

school, we noted moisture

(with the infrared camera) in the gym’s exterior concrete block wall where

the bleachers are located. This

was an area where a leak had been repaired. We addressed the need for the

roof and flashing to be

repaired.

We noted pressure airflow issues between rooms and spaces. For example,

the classrooms should

generally have a positive pressure in regard to the corridor, and the

bathrooms should have a negative

pressure in regard to the outer room. This was not always the case. During

the day, the attic was under

positive pressure in regard to the exterior of the building. However at

night when the dehumidifier (which

serves the classroom wings) was turned off, this resulted in the attic

being under negative pressure in

regard to the outside of the building. This allowed outside humid air to

enter the attic from the soffits.

From the mezzanine area where the dehumidifier is located, we observed

dust on classroom ceilings and

ducts. We discussed that the Group would be addressing solutions

for these issues.

From our initial inspection, it is possible that some of the coils for the

HVAC air handlers may have mold

contamination. As further discussed by the Group, these issues will

have to be addressed.

We agreed that the classroom carpets should continued to be removed

following appropriate protocols.

We also discussed the need to evaluate the moisture levels of the concrete

slab.

We appreciate the cooperation from Guilford County Schools and the

faculty, staff, and parents of Oak

Ridge Elementary School. We will continue to analyze the data from your

school and will be providing

you with an interim report in the future. If you have any questions or

concerns, please feel free to contact

us.

Sincerely,

-Ganser, Ph.D.

Epidemiologist

Ju-Hyeong Park, Sc.D., C.I.H.

Industrial Hygienist

L. , D.O., M.P.H.

Medical Officer

Respiratory Disease Hazard Evaluation and

Technical Assistance Program

Field Studies Branch

Division of Respiratory Disease Studies

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