Conway Middle School Air Quality Report

Report
of:
Indoor Air Quality Testing

Horry County Schools
Conway, SC
Palme5o EHS Report No: 2018400

Submi5ed December 20, 2018
Prepared for:
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

335 Four Mile Rd.
Conway, SC 29528
Attention: Ms. Tammy Trulove
Reference: REPORT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING

Palmetto EHS Report No. 2018400
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 2018400
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  
 
!
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 (Conway Middle School)
Project No. 2018400
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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Palmetto EHS, LLC | 3
Project No. 2018400
December 20, 2018
Executive Summary
Palmetto EHS conducted indoor air quality testing in Rooms A102, A103, A104, A105, A106, A107,
and A108 at Conway Middle School in Conway, 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 Rooms A102, A103, A104,
A105, A106, A107, or A108 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 rooms visited on December 18,
2018.
• We observed light staining on the HVAC supply diffusers in Rooms A102, A103, A104,
A105, A106, A107, and A108.
• Staining was also observed on the ceiling tiles surround the HVAC supply diffuser with a
light amount of staining present in Room A104.
• Mold spores were not amplified in Room A102 on December 18, 2018.
• Epicoccum mold spores were slightly amplified in Room A103, Curvularia mold spores
were slightly amplified in Rooms A104 and A106, and Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold
spores were amplified in Rooms A105, A107, and A108 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 A102, A103, A104, A105, A106, A107,
and A108 at Conway Middle School in Conway, 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. 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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Project No. 2018400
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 A102, A103, A104, A105, A106, A107,
and A108 at Conway Middle School in Conway, 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 headaches that they associated with the
rooms we visited on December 18, 2018. At the time of our visit, we did not observe any visible
mold or detect any musty odors in any of the seven rooms visited. A slight odor was detected in
Room A106 upon entry, however soon after the HVAC turned on, the odor dissipated and was
no longer detected. A light amount of staining was observed on the HVAC supply diffusers in all
seven of the rooms, and the ceiling tiles surrounding the HVAC supply diffuser in Room A104
were also stained. There was no evidence of water intrusion into any of the areas we visited.
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 areas we visited on
December 18, 2018.
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Project No. 2018400
December 20, 2018
Table I: Environmental Parameter Results – December 18, 2018
Relative Humidity Temperature

Location
(Percent) (Degrees F)
Outdoors 30 50
Criteria 30% to 60% 69-76 degrees F
Room A102 51 72
Room A103 51 72
Room A104 54 71
Room A105 48 71
Room A106 58 70
Room A107 45 72
Room A108 55 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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Project No. 2018400
December 20, 2018
Table II: Mold Air Sampling Results – December 18, 2018
Sample Number Location Mold (c/m3) Predominant Types
Ascospores (3610)
C-M-1 Outdoors 7370 Basidiospores (3450)
Cladosporium (313)
Ascospores (6740)
C-M-2 Outdoors 10,700 Basidiospores (3370)
Cladosporium (549)
C-M-3 Room A102 78 Basidiospores (78)
C-M-4 Room A103 78 Epicoccum (78)
Basidiospores (78)
C-M-5 Room A104 156
Curvularia (78)
C-M-6 Room A105 549 Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (549)
C-M-7 Room A106 78 Curvularia (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 count in Room A102 was well below outdoor levels, and mold types
detected were similar to those found outdoors.Therefore, mold spores were not considered
amplified in Room A102 on the day of our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Rooms A103, A104, and A106 were well below outdoor levels,
however, Curvularia mold spores (one spore) were detected in Rooms A104 and A106, and
Epicoccum mold spores (one spore) were detected in Room A103, and none of these mold
types were detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered slightly
amplified in Rooms A103, A104, and A106 on the day of our visit.
The total mold spore counts in Rooms A105, A107, and A108 were well below outdoor levels,
however, Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold spores were detected in Rooms A105, A107, and
A108, but were not detected in the outdoor samples. Therefore, mold spores were considered
amplified in Rooms A105, A107, and A108 on the day of our visit. 
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Project No. 2018400
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 Rooms A102, A103, A104,
A105, A106, A107, or A108 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 rooms visited on December 18,
2018.
• We observed light staining on the HVAC supply diffusers in Rooms A102, A103, A104,
A105, A106, A107, and A108.
• Staining was also observed on the ceiling tiles surround the HVAC supply diffuser with a
light amount of staining present in Room A104.
• Mold spores were not amplified in Room A102 on December 18, 2018.
• Epicoccum mold spores were slightly amplified in Room A103, Curvularia mold spores
were slightly amplified in Rooms A104 and A106, and Aspergillus/Penicillium-like mold
spores were amplified in Rooms A105, A107, and A108 on the day of our visit.
The following recommendations are provided for Room A102:

1. Clean the HVAC supply diffuser with a District approved antimicrobial cleaning agent.
The following recommendations are provided for Rooms A103, A104, A105, A106, A107, and
A108:
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.). Once the HVAC supply diffusers in Room A104 have been cleaned,
remove and replace the stained ceiling tiles around it. 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 each room for 3-5 days, however it
is not required. It is highly recommended for Room A108.
4. Follow up air testing can be performed if requested.
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Project No. 2018400
December 20, 2018
Appendix I
Analytical Results
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SAI Method B-SOP-003
Client: Palmetto EHS Attn: Colleen Eubanks Lab Order ID: 51833796
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Analysis ID: 51833796_STA
Lexington, SC 29072
Date Received: 12/19/2018
Project: Conway Middle School IAQ Date Reported: 12/20/2018
Sample ID C-M-1 C-M-2 C-M-3 EXTERIOR

Lab Sample ID 51833796_STA_001 51833796_STA_002 51833796_STA_003 AVERAGE
Description Outdoors Outdoors A102 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 46 3610 48.9% 86 6740 63.2% 66 5170 56.9%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like
Basidiospores 44 3450 46.8% 43 3370 31.6% 1 78.0 100.% 44 3410 37.9%
Cladosporium 4 313 4.26% 7 549 5.15% 6 431 5.20%
Curvularia
Epicoccum
Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like
TOTAL 94 7370 100.% 136 10700 100.% 1 78.0 100.% 116 9010 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% 80-100% 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 (9)
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 3
100 Old Cherokee Rd
Lexington, SC 29072

Description A103 A104 A105 N/A
Lab Notes N/A
78 78 78
(counts/m³)
IDENTIFICATION
Ascospores 66 5170 56.9%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like 7 549 100.%
Basidiospores 1 78.0 50.0% 44 3410 37.9%
Cladosporium 6 431 5.20%
Curvularia 1 78.0 50.0%
Epicoccum 1 78.0 100.%
Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like
TOTAL 1 78.0 100.% 2 156 100.% 7 549 100.% 116 9010 100.%
Hyphal Fragments 3 235 - - - - - - - - - -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Palmer Hines (9)

100 Old Cherokee Rd
Lexington, SC 29072

Description A106 A107 A108 N/A
Lab Notes N/A
78 78 78
(counts/m³)
IDENTIFICATION
Ascospores 66 5170 56.9%
Aspergillus/ Penicillium-like 4 313 80.0% 15 1180 100.%
Basidiospores 44 3410 37.9%
Cladosporium 6 431 5.20%
Curvularia 1 78.0 100.%
Epicoccum
Myxomycete/ Rust/ Smut-like 1 78.0 20.0%
TOTAL 1 78.0 100.% 5 391 100.% 15 1180 100.% 116 9010 100.%
Hyphal Fragments - - - - - - - - - - - -
Insect Parts - - - - - - - - - - - -
Pollen - - - - - - - - - - - -
Palmer Hines (9)


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Conway Middle School Air Quality Report

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Report

Indoor Air Quality Testing

Palme5o EHS Report No: 2018400

Horry County Schools

Palme5o EHS, LLC

December 20, 2018

Horry County Schools

Attention: Ms. Tammy Trulove

Reference: REPORT OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY TESTING

Dear Ms. Trulove:

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

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

We identified the following conditions during our visit:

We conducted a walk-through visual assessment, environmental parameter testing, and air

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Table I: Environmental Parameter Results – December 18, 2018

Relative Humidity Temperature

Criteria 30% to 60% 69-76 degrees F

Airborne microorganisms are ubiquitous; the presence of microorganisms is of undue concern

Exposure to excessive amounts of some common microorganisms can result in allergic or

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

Sample Number Location Mold (c/m3) Predominant Types

C-M-3 Room A102 78 Basidiospores (78)

C-M-4 Room A103 78 Epicoccum (78)

C-M-6 Room A105 549 Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (549)

C-M-7 Room A106 78 Curvularia (78)

C-M-8 Room A107 391 Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (313)

C-M-9 Room A108 1180 Aspergillus/Penicillium-like (1180)

Amplification: Indoor levels substantially exceed outdoor levels.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The following recommendations are provided for Room A102:

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

Palmer Hines (9)

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

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

Palmer Hines (9)

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

Sample ID C-M-7 C-M-8 C-M-9 EXTERIOR

Palmer Hines (9)

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

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