Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
of:
Prepared for:
Prepared By:
Palmetto EHS, LLC (Palmetto EHS) is pleased to provide the enclosed report for the referenced
site. The sampling was conducted on December 18, 2018. The report includes an executive
summary, investigative methods, results and conclusions.
This work was performed in general conformance with Palmetto EHS Proposal Number 2018399
dated December 11, 2018. This report is provided for the sole use of Horry County 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) 462-4404.
Sincerely,
Palmetto EHS, LLC
!
!
Rachel Schlachter, MPH, CSP Colleen Eubanks, CIH, CSP, CET
EHS Specialist President
!
Table of Contents
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 3
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
Executive Summary
Palmetto EHS conducted indoor air quality testing in Rooms I101, I103, I104, I109, I110, K101,
L102, 2nd floor hallway, I203, J203, and J204 at Aynor High School in Aynor, SC on December 18,
2018. The testing was conducted indoors and outdoors for comparison.
• We did not observe visible mold or detect any musty odors in Rooms I101, I103, I104,
I109, I110, K101, L102, I203, J203, J204, or the 2nd floor hallway on the day of our visit.
• The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that temperature and
relative humidity were within normal limits in all of the areas visited on December 18,
2018.
• We observed staining on the HVAC supply diffusers in Room I104 and Room I203. The
HVAC return vent in Room I203 also had dust accumulation present.
• Stained ceiling tiles were observed in the 2nd floor hallway and Room J203.
• Mold spores were not amplified in Rooms I104, I109, or I203 on December 18, 2018.
• Curvularia mold spores were amplified in Rooms I101 and J203, Aspergillus/Penicillium-
like mold spores were amplified in Room I110, Aspergillus/Penicillium-like and Curvularia
mold spores were amplified in Rooms J204 and I103, and Pithomyces and Curvularia
mold spores were amplified in Rooms K101, L102, and the second floor hallway 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 Rooms I101, I103, I104, I109, I110, K101,
L102, I203, J203, J204, and the 2nd floor hallway at Aynor High School in Aynor, SC on December
18, 2018. The purpose of the sampling was to determine if airborne mold spores were elevated
above outdoor levels.
Environmental Parameters
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 and relative humidity (RH).
These environmental parameters are important determinants for occupant’s perceptions of
thermal comfort, and ASHRAE Standard 55-2004 recommends ranges for temperature and RH
that most occupants (>80%) will find comfortable.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 4
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
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 78ºF (for RH = 60%).
Winter: 69ºF to 76ºF (for RH = 30%) and 68ºF to 74ºF (for RH = 60%)
Mold Samples
Total (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.
Visual Assessment
We were asked to collect air samples for mold in Rooms I101, I103, I104, I109, I110, K101,
L102, 2nd floor hallway, I203, J203, and J204 at Aynor High School in Aynor, SC on December
18, 2018. Ms. Tammy Trulove, Director of Health and Safety Services for Horry County Schools,
advised that there had been complaints from faculty/staff that they were having respiratory
symptoms, headaches, watering/red eyes, and red/puffy faces that they associated with some
of the areas visited on December 18, 2018. A musty odor had also been reported in a few of the
rooms visited. At the time of our visit, we did not observe any visible mold or detect any musty
odors in any of the eleven areas visited. We observed a small amount of dust build up on the
HVAC return vent in Room I203 and staining on the HVAC supply diffusers in Rooms I104 and
I203. Two water stained ceiling tiles were observed in Room J203, and three water stained
ceiling tiles were observed in the 2nd floor hallway outside of Room I207.
Environmental Parameters
A summary of the environmental parameters tested (temperature and relative humidity) are
provided in Table I. The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that
temperature and relative humidity were within normal limits in each of the rooms we visited on
December 18, 2018.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 5
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
Outdoors 30 56
Room I101 36 75
Room I103 40 75
Room I104 34 75
Room I109 38 74
Room I110 33 74
Room K101 30 74
Room L102 31 73
Room I203 44 73
Room J203 34 73
Room J204 31 74
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.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 6
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
Air sampling was performed indoors and outdoors for comparison. Total fungal spore (non-
viable 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.
Ascospores (6110)
M-1 Outdoors 10,400 Basidiospores (3060)
Cladosporium (1020)
Ascospores (5410)
M-2 Outdoors 8780 Basidiospores (2350)
Cladosporium (627)
Ascospores (549)
Basidiospores (313)
M-3 Room I101 1720
Cladosporium (392)
Curvularia (235)
Ascospores (313)
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (235)
M-4 Room I103 1570 Basidiospores (313)
Cladosporium (627)
Curvularia (78)
Ascospores (862)
M-5 Room I104 1570 Basidiospores (235)
Cladosporium (470)
Ascospores (1800)
M-6 Room I109 3290 Basidiospores (862)
Cladosporium (549)
Ascospores (1100)
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (784)
M-7 Room I110 3210
Basidiospores (940)
Cladosporium (313)
Ascospores (2430)
Basidiospores (1720)
M-8 Room K101 5090 Cladosporium (627)
Curvularia (78)
Pithomyces (78)
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 7
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
Ascospores (705)
Basidiospores (235)
M-9 Room L102 1650 Cladosporium (157)
Curvularia (157)
Pithomyces (157)
Ascospores (470)
Basidiospores (549)
M-10 2nd Floor Hallway 2190 Cladosporium (705)
Curvularia (235)
Pithomyces (78)
Ascospores (1419)
M-11 Room I203 1880 Basidiospores (392)
Cladosporium (78)
Ascospores (1570)
Basidiospores (705)
M-12 Room J203 2510
Cladosporium (157)
Curvularia (78)
Ascospores (1800)
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (470)
M-13 Room J204 3760 Basidiospores (1020)
Cladosporium (313)
Curvularia (78)
The total mold spore counts in Rooms I104, I109 ,and I203 were below outdoor levels, and mold
types detected were similar to those found outdoors.Therefore, mold spores were not
considered amplified in Rooms I104, I109 ,or I203 on the day of our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Rooms I101 and J203 were below outdoor levels, however,
Curvularia mold spores were detected in Rooms I101 and J203, and not detected in the outdoor
samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered amplified in Rooms I101 and J203 on the
day of our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Room K101, Room L102, and the 2nd Floor Hallway were below
outdoor levels, however, Curvularia and Pithomyces mold spores were detected in Room K101,
Room L102, and the 2nd Floor Hallway, and not detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore,
mold spores were considered amplified in Room K101, Room L102, and the 2nd Floor Hallway
on the day of our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Rooms I103 and J204 were below outdoor levels, however,
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like and Curvularia mold spores were detected in Rooms I103 and J204
and not detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered amplified in
Rooms I103 and J204 on the day of our visit.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 8
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
The total mold spore count in Room I110 was below outdoor levels, however, Aspergillus/
Penicillium-like mold spores were detected in Room I110 and not detected in the outdoor
samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered amplified in Room I110 on the day of our
visit.
No recommendations are provided for Room I109 on the basis of the visual assessment and the
laboratory results.
The following recommendations are provided for the 2nd floor hallway (near Room I203/I207):
1. Determine and repair the source(s) of the stained ceiling tiles. Once this has been completed,
remove and replace the stained ceiling tiles to prevent future mold growth.
2. Thoroughly clean and dry all of the surfaces (walls, floors, lockers, doors, etc.) in the hallway
with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning agent. This should include a cleaning of any
HVAC supply diffusers and return vents. 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.
3. Once the cleaning has been completed, replace the HVAC filters (if applicable).
4. You may consider running a few HEPA filtered air scrubbers in the hallway for 3-5 days, however
it is not required.
5. Follow up air testing can be performed if requested.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 9
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
The following recommendations are provided for Rooms I101, I103 I110, K101, L102, J203, and
J204:
1. Prior to proceeding to step 2 below in Room J203, determine and repair the source(s) of the
stained ceiling tiles. Once this has been completed, remove and replace the stained ceiling tiles
to prevent future mold growth.
2. 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,
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.
3. Once the cleaning has been completed, replace the HVAC filters.
4. You may consider running one HEPA filtered air scrubber in each room for 3-5 days, however it
is not required. We do recommend placing one in Rooms I110, K101, and J204.
5. Follow up air testing can be performed if requested.
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 10
Report :Horry County Schools (Aynor High School)
Project No. 2018399
December 21, 2018
Appendix I
Analytical Results
!
Palmetto EHS, LLC | 11
SAI Method B-SOP-003
Client: Palmetto EHS Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: 51833820
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 51833820_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 12/19/2018
Project: Aynor HS IAQ Date Reported: 12/20/2018
Date Amended: 12/21/2018
Sample ID M-1 M-2 M-3 EXTERIOR
Lab Sample ID 51833820_STA_001 51833820_STA_002 51833820_STA_003 AVERAGE
Description Outdoors Outdoors i101 N/A
Lab Notes N/A
Volume(L) 75 75 75 N/A
Analytical Sensitivity N/A
78 78 78
(counts/m³)
Raw Concentration % Of Raw Concentration % Of Raw Concentration % Of Raw Concentration % Of
IDENTIFICATION
Count (counts/m³) Total Count (counts/m³) Total Count (counts/m³) Total Count (counts/m³) Total
Alternaria 1 78.0 0.752% 1 78.0 4.55% <1 39.0 N/A
Ascospores 78 6110 58.7% 69 5410 61.6% 7 549 31.8% 74 5760 61.2%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like
Basidiospores 39 3060 29.3% 30 2350 26.8% 4 313 18.2% 34 2700 28.1%
Cladosporium 13 1020 9.77% 8 627 7.14% 5 392 22.7% 10 823 8.30%
Curvularia 3 235 13.6%
Epicoccum 1 78.0 0.893% 1 78.0 4.55% <1 39.0 N/A
Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like 1 78.0 0.752% 1 78.0 0.893% 1 78.0 4.55% 1 78.0 0.800%
Pithomyces
Unknown/Other 1 78.0 0.752% 3 235 2.68% 2 157 1.70%
TOTAL 133 10400 100.% 112 8780 100.% 22 1720 100.% 121 9600 100.%
Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments 2 157 - 5 392 - 4 313 - 4 275 -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 0-20% 0-20% 40-60% N/A
Total Debris in Background 20-40% 20-40% 60-80% N/A
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: 173190. Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity.
TOTAL 20 1570 100.% 20 1570 100.% 42 3290 100.% 121 9600 100.%
Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments 3 235 - 2 157 - 5 392 - 4 275 -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
Total Debris in Background 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
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: 173190. Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity.
TOTAL 41 3210 100.% 65 5090 100.% 21 1650 100.% 121 9600 100.%
Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments 6 470. - 5 392 - 12 940. - 4 275 -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
Total Debris in Background 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
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: 173190. Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity.
TOTAL 28 2190 100.% 24 1880 100.% 32 2510 100.% 121 9600 100.%
Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments 5 392 - 3 235 - 3 235 - 4 275 -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
Total Debris in Background 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% N/A
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: 173190. Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity.
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: 173190. Reporting Limit equals Analytical Sensitivity.