Report

of:

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Horry County Schools
Conway, SC

Palme5o EHS Report No: 2019054

Submi5ed February 20, 2019

Prepared for:

Horry County Schools

Prepared By:

Palme5o EHS, LLC

100 Old Cherokee Rd.
Suite F, Box 163
Lexington, SC 29072
803-462-4404 (Phone)
803-462-4408 (Fax)
 !
Safety • Industrial Hygiene • OSHA Compliance • Training

February 20, 2019

Horry County Schools

335 Four Mile Rd.
Conway, SC 29528

Attention: Ms. Tammy Trulove

Reference: REPORT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING

Palmetto EHS Report No. 2019054

Dear Ms. Trulove:

Palmetto EHS, LLC (Palmetto EHS) is pleased to provide the enclosed report for the referenced
site. The sampling was conducted on February 18, 2019. The report includes an executive
summary, investigative methods, results and conclusions.

This work was performed in general conformance with Palmetto EHS Proposal Number 2019054
dated February 13, 2019. 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

! !
Gary Eubanks Colleen Eubanks, CIH, CSP, CET
Vice President President



Palmetto EHS, LLC | 100 Old Cherokee Rd. Ste. F #163


Lexington, SC 29072

803.462.4404 (Phone)

803.462.4408 (Fax)
Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ..........................................................................................................4

Scope of Work ..................................................................................................................4
Materials and Methods..................................................................................................... 4
Environmental Parameters ............................................................................................ 4
Mold Samples ...............................................................................................................5
Results and Discussion ..................................................................................................... 5
Visual Assessment .........................................................................................................5
Environmental Parameters ............................................................................................ 5
Mold Samples ...............................................................................................................6
Conclusions and Recommendations ................................................................................ 7
Appendix I ........................................................................................................................9

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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

Executive Summary

Palmetto EHS conducted follow-up indoor air quality testing in Room E100 and the Reading Room
at St. James Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, SC on February 18, 2019. The testing was
conducted indoors and outdoors for comparison.

We identified the following conditions during our visit:

• We did not detect musty odors or observe any mold in Room E100 or Reading Room at St.
James Elementary School on the day of our visit.
• The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that carbon dioxide,
temperature, and relative humidity was within normal limits in both Room E100 and
Reading Room on February 18, 2019.
• Mold spores were not amplified in the Reading Room on February 18, 2019. No further
action is needed in this room.
• Aspergillus/Penicillium mold spores were amplified in Room E100 on the day of our visit.
Although this levels is not dangerous, it does indicate the presence of an indoor source
of Aspergillus/Penicillium that needs to be removed.

Recommendations are provided in the “Conclusions and Recommendations” section of this report.

Scope of Work

Palmetto EHS conducted follow up indoor air quality testing following more surface cleaning and
use of HEPA scrubbers in Room E100 and Reading Room at St. James Elementary School in
Myrtle Beach, SC on February 18, 2019. 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.

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 55-2004 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

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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

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%)
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 62.1-2010 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
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.

Results and Discussion

Visual Assessment
We were asked to collect follow-up air samples for mold in Room E100 and Reading Room at
St. James Elementary School in Myrtle Beach, SC on February 18, 2019. Each of these rooms
were previously considered to be amplified after testing was performed on January 21 and
February 10, 2019. Further surface cleaning had been performed in these rooms and all area
rugs and fabrics previously in these rooms had been removed. HEPA scrubbers were in use
from Friday evening February 15 through Monday morning February 18. We did not observe
any mold or detect any musty odors in either of these rooms during our visit.

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 was within normal limits in both Room
E100 and Reading Room on February 18, 2019.


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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

Table I: Environmental Parameter Results – February 18, 2019

Carbon Dioxide Relative Humidity Temperature

Location
(ppm) (Percent) (Degrees F)

Outdoors 443 61 59

Criteria < 1143 30% to 60% 68-76 degrees F

E100 867 52 72

Reading Room 615 58 71

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. 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.

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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

Table II: Mold Air Sampling Results – February 18, 2019

Sample Number Location Mold (c/m3) Predominant Types

Ascospores (1140)
S-M-1 Outdoors 4780 Basidiospores (470)
Cladosporium (78)

Ascospores (1020)
Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (157)
S-M-2 Outdoors 3610
Basidiospores (784)
Cladosporium (431)

S-M-3 Reading Room ND NA

Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (2430)
S-M-4 E100 2510
Cladosporium (78)

Amplification: Indoor levels substantially exceed outdoor levels.

Abbreviations: c/m3 = total mold spore counts per cubic meter, ND= None Detected

There were no mold spores detected in the Reading Room air sample at the time of our visit on
February 18, 2019, therefore, mold spores were not considered amplified.
The total mold spore count in Rooms E100 was below outdoors levels, however Aspergillus/
Penicillium-like mold spores were detected in this room at a higher level than in the outdoor
samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered amplified in Room E100 on the day of our
visit. Although this level is not dangerous, they do indicate the presence of an indoor source of
Aspergillus/Penicillium that needs to be removed.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The results of the visual assessment and testing indicate the following:
1. We did not detect musty odors or observe any mold in Room E100 or Reading Room at St.
James Elementary School on the day of our visit.
2. The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that carbon dioxide, temperature,
and relative humidity was within normal limits in both Room E100 and Reading Room on
February 18, 2019.
3. Mold spores were not amplified in the Reading Room on February 18, 2019. No further action
is needed in this room.
4. Aspergillus/Penicillium mold spores were amplified in Room E100 on the day of our visit.
Although this levels is not dangerous, it does indicate the presence of an indoor source of
Aspergillus/Penicillium that needs to be removed.

The following recommendations are provided for E100:

1. Relocate staff and students from these rooms. Although dangerous conditions ARE NOT
present in these rooms, relocating staff and students will help prevent mold spores from re-
entering the room via shoes and clothing during and after the cleaning process, and will ensure
better results. Ensure that no one other than cleaning staff enters the room.

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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019
2. Remove all wood furniture from the room. Remove all cardboard boxes and paper from the
rooms. The only items left in the room should be metal or plastic and should be able to be easily
cleaned.
3. Remove all ceiling tiles from the room and dispose of them. Have appropriate personnel
(plumbing, HVAC, or roofing as needed) inspect the area above the ceiling tiles one more time to
ensure that there are no leaks, no source of water intrusion, no mold growth, and no staining. If
leaks are found, ensure they are corrected before moving on. If mold or staining is found,
ensure that it is removed before moving on. If wet insulation is found, it should be disposed of
immediately.
4. Thoroughly clean and dry all of the surfaces (walls, floors, furniture, doors, shelves, desks,
chairs, etc) in this with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning agent. This should include
cleaning of any HVAC supply diffusers and return vents. This cleaning should be performed by a
qualified mold remediation company.
5. Once the cleaning has been completed, replace the HVAC filters, replace the ceiling tiles, and
perform a final HEPA vacuum of the entire room.
6. HEPA scrubbers must be used in the room during and after the cleaning. Please use two HEPA
scrubbers in room E100 due to the size of the room. At the conclusion of the cleaning, the air
scrubbers should run for at least 3 days and remain in place and running until follow-up testing is
performed.
7. Follow up air testing should be performed following the cleaning. Please ensure that the room
remain unoccupied until test results are received.

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Report :Horry County Schools (St. James Elementary)
Project No. 2019054
February 20, 2019

Appendix I
Analytical Results

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 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis
SAI Method B-SOP-003
Client: Palmetto EHS Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: 71904390
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 71904390_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 02/19/2019
Project: St. James Elem - 2019054 Date Reported: 02/20/2019

Sample ID S-M-1 S-M-2 S-M-3 EXTERIOR

Lab Sample ID 71904390_STA_001 71904390_STA_002 71904390_STA_003 AVERAGE
Description Outdoors Outdoors Reading room 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
Ascospores 42 3290 68.9% 35 2740 76.1% 38 3020 71.7%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like
Basidiospores 19 1490 31.2% 11 862 23.9% 15 1180 28.3%
Cladosporium

No Spores Detected

TOTAL 61 4780 100.% 46 3610 100.% <1 <78.4 N/A 53 4190 100.%
Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments - - - - - - - - - - - -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 0-20% 0-20% 80-100% N/A
Total Debris in Background 0-20% 0-20% 20-40% 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.

Palmer Hines (4)

B-F-028 r15 1/16/2021 Analyst Approved Signatory

Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc. 4604 Dundas Dr. Greensboro, NC 27407 (336) 292-3888 Page 1 of 2
 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis
SAI Method B-SOP-003
Client: Palmetto EHS Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: 71904390
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 71904390_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 02/19/2019
Project: St. James Elem - 2019054 Date Reported: 02/20/2019

Sample ID S-M-4 EXTERIOR

Lab Sample ID 71904390_STA_004 AVERAGE
Description E100 N/A
Lab Notes N/A
Volume(L) 75 N/A
Analytical Sensitivity N/A
78
(counts/m³)
Raw Concentration % Of Raw Concentration % Of
IDENTIFICATION
Count (counts/m³) Total Count (counts/m³) Total
Ascospores 38 3020 71.7%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like 31 2430 96.9%
Basidiospores 15 1180 28.3%
Cladosporium 1 78.0 3.13%

TOTAL 32 2510 100.% 53 4190 100.%

Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments - - - - - -
Insect Parts - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 80-100% N/A
Total Debris in Background 20-40% 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.

Palmer Hines (4)

B-F-028 r15 1/16/2021 Analyst Approved Signatory

Scientific Analytical Institute, Inc. 4604 Dundas Dr. Greensboro, NC 27407 (336) 292-3888 Page 2 of 2