Report

of:

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Horry County Schools
Conway, SC

Palme5o EHS Report No: 2018401

Submi5ed December 20, 2018

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)
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Safety • Industrial Hygiene • OSHA Compliance • Training

December 20, 2018

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. 2018401

Dear Ms. Trulove:

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 2018401
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
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Rachel Schlachter, MPH, CSP Colleen Eubanks, CIH, CSP, CET
EHS Specialist President 



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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 (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

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 ................................................................................ 8
Appendix I ........................................................................................................................9

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Report :Horry County Schools (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

Executive Summary

Palmetto EHS conducted indoor air quality testing in Rooms 506, 507, 508, and the Community
Room at the Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology in Myrtle Beach, SC on December 18,
2018. The testing was conducted indoors and outdoors for comparison.

We identified the following conditions during our visit:

• We did not observe visible mold or detect any musty odors in Room 506, 507, 508, or the
Community Room on the day of our visit.
• The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that temperature and
relative humidity were within normal limits in Room 506, 507, 508, and the Community
Room at the time of our testing.
• We observed dust accumulation on the HVAC return vents in Room 508 and the
Community Room.
• Light staining was observed on the HVAC supply diffusers in Room 507, 506, and the
Community Room. The ceiling tiles surrounding the stained HVAC supply diffusers in the
Community Room also had staining present.
• We observed one small water stain on a ceiling tile in Room 506 and one stained ceiling
tile in the Community Room.
• Mold spores were not amplified in Room 506, 508, or the Community Room on December
18, 2018.
• Curvularia mold spores were slightly amplified in Room 507 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 506, 507, 508, and the Community
Room at the Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology in Myrtle Beach, SC on December 18,
2018. 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
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.

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Report :Horry County Schools (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 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.

Results and Discussion

Visual Assessment
We were asked to collect air samples for mold in Rooms 506, 507, 508, and the Community
Room at the Academy for Arts, Science, and Technology in Myrtle Beach, SC on December 18,
2018. Ms. Tammy Trulove, Director of Health and Safety Services for Horry County Schools,
advised that faculty/staff members were reporting respiratory symptoms associated with the
areas visited. At the time of our visit, we did not observe any visible mold or detect any musty
odors in Room 506, 507, 508, or the Community Room. We observed dust accumulation on the
HVAC return vent in the Community Room and Room 508. Light staining was present on the
HVAC supply diffusers In Room 507, 506, and the Community Room. The ceiling tiles
surrounding the stained HVAC supply diffuser in the Community Room also had some staining
present. One small water stain was observed on a ceiling tile in Room 506, however, Mr. Carlton
Fults who is in charge of the custodial staff, advised that the staining is not due to an active
leak, but from a small amount of prior condensation on the HVAC ductwork above the ceiling
tile. One ceiling tile in the Community Room had staining present as well, however, Mr. Fults
advised that they are monitoring the staining and in the process of making repairs to prevent the
water intrusion.

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 Room 506, 507, 508, and the
Community Room on December 18, 2018.

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Report :Horry County Schools (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

Table I: Environmental Parameter Results – December 18, 2018

Relative Humidity Temperature

Location
(Percent) (Degrees F)

Outdoors 21 55

Criteria 30% to 60% 69-76 degrees F

Room 506 47 70

Room 507 40 72

Room 508 44 72

Community Room 41 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 (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

Table II: Mold Air Sampling Results – December 18, 2018

Sample Number Location Mold (c/m3) Predominant Types

Ascospores (1800)
A-M-1 Outdoors 3450 Basidiospores (1100)
Cladosporium (549)

Ascospores (2430)
A-M-2 Outdoors 5010 Basidiospores (2190)
Cladosporium (313)

A-M-3 Room 506 157 Cladosporium (157)

Basidiospores (78)
A-M-4 Room 507 156
Curvularia (78)

A-M-5 Room 508 157 Ascospores (157)

A-M-6 Community Room 78 Basidiospores (78)

Amplification: Indoor levels substantially exceed outdoor levels.

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

The total mold spore counts in Room 506, 508, and the Community Room were well below
outdoor levels, and mold types detected were similar to those found outdoors.Therefore, mold
spores were not considered amplified in Room 506, 508, or the Community Room on the day of
our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Room 507 were well below outdoor levels, however, a low level
(one spore) of Curvularia mold spores were detected in Room 507, and Curvularia was not
detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore, mold spores slightly amplified in Room 507 on the
day of our visit.


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Palmetto EHS, LLC | 7
Report :Horry County Schools (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

Conclusions and Recommendations

The results of the visual assessment and testing indicate the following:
• We did not observe visible mold or detect any musty odors in Room 506, 507, 508, or the
Community Room on the day of our visit.
• The results of the environmental parameter testing revealed that temperature and
relative humidity were within normal limits in Room 506, 507, 508, and the Community
Room at the time of our testing.
• We observed dust accumulation on the HVAC return vents in Room 508 and the
Community Room.
• Light staining was observed on the HVAC supply diffusers in Room 507, 506, and the
Community Room. The ceiling tiles surrounding the stained HVAC supply diffusers in the
Community Room also had staining present.
• We observed one small water stain on a ceiling tile in Room 506 and one stained ceiling
tile in the Community Room.
• Mold spores were not amplified in Room 506, 508, or the Community Room on December
18, 2018.
• Curvularia mold spores were slightly amplified in Room 507 on the day of our visit.

The following recommendations are provided for Room 507:

1. 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,
pillows, 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.
2. Once the cleaning has been completed, replace the HVAC filters.
3. You may consider running one HEPA filtered air scrubber in the room for 3-5 days, however, it is
not required.
4. Follow up air testing can be performed if requested.

The following recommendations are provided for Room 506:

1. Clean the HVAC supply diffusers with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning solution.
2. Remove and replace the ceiling tile with the small water stain to prevent future mold growth.

The following recommendations are provided for Room 508:

1. Clean the HVAC return vent with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning solution.

The following recommendations are provided for the Community Room:

1. Clean the HVAC return vents and supply diffusers with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning
solution. Once this has been completed, remove and replace the ceiling tiles showing staining
that surround the HVAC supply diffusers.
2. Continue to monitor the water stained ceiling tile and make the necessary repairs to prevent
water intrusion into the room. Once the repair has been completed, remove and replace the
ceiling tile to prevent future mold growth.


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Palmetto EHS, LLC | 8
Report :Horry County Schools (AAST)
Project No. 2018401
December 20, 2018

Appendix I
Analytical Results

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Palmetto EHS, LLC | 9
 Direct Exam: Spore Trap Analysis
SAI Method B-SOP-003
Client: Palmetto EHS Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: 51833787
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 51833787_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 12/19/2018
Project: AAST IAQ Date Reported: 12/20/2018

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

Lab Sample ID 51833787_STA_001 51833787_STA_002 51833787_STA_003 AVERAGE
Description Outdoors Outdoors 506 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 23 1800 52.3% 31 2430 48.4% 27 2120 50.0%
Basidiospores 14 1100 31.8% 28 2190 43.8% 21 1650 38.9%
Cladosporium 7 549 15.9% 4 313 6.25% 2 157 100.% 6 431 11.1%
Curvularia
Epicoccum 1 78.0 1.56% <1 39.0 N/A

TOTAL 44 3450 100.% 64 5010 100.% 2 157 100.% 54 4230 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% 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.

Palmer Hines (6)

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: 51833787
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 51833787_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 12/19/2018
Project: AAST IAQ Date Reported: 12/20/2018

Sample ID A-M-4 A-M-5 A-M-6 EXTERIOR

Lab Sample ID 51833787_STA_004 51833787_STA_005 51833787_STA_006 AVERAGE
Description 507 508 Community 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 2 157 100.% 27 2120 50.0%
Basidiospores 1 78.0 50.0% 1 78.0 100.% 21 1650 38.9%
Cladosporium 6 431 11.1%
Curvularia 1 78.0 50.0%
Epicoccum <1 39.0 N/A

TOTAL 2 156 100.% 2 157 100.% 1 78.0 100.% 54 4230 100.%

Non-Cellulosic Fibers - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hyphal Fragments - - - - - - - - - - - -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Skin Cell % of Total Debris 60-80% 80-100% 80-100% N/A
Total Debris in Background 0-20% 20-40% 0-20% 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 (6)

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