North Adams Public Schools -

MASS DEPT. of PUBLIC HEALTH REPORTS INDOOR AIR QUALITY PROGRAM TEST RESULTS FOR BRAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program was asked by Superintendent Barbara Malkas, Ed.D. to examine Brayton Elementary School to assess the presence of water damage and mold growth resulting from high relative humidity conditions that occurred during August 2024. The school was inspected on August 30th, 2024.

IAQ staff conducted a visual inspection of ground floor areas. Air temperature and relative humidity were measured in each room. Surface temperatures of floors and walls were measured to determine if building components were at or below the dew point (the temperature where condensation will gather on a cold surface).

The summer of 2024 had significant stretches of hot, humid weather, and the report noted that Massachusetts has experienced extreme weather conditions over the past several summers. According to the report, these conditions are challenging for buildings, particularly those without central air conditioning. The report indicates that the source of the water vapor causing damage in the school was a combination of high relative humidity during the preceding summer months and water vapor migration from dry drain traps in classroom sink drains. The report noted that heavy rain entering the North Adams storm and sewer system would “likely force water vapor and air back up [through] the sink drain system, which then caused condensation on stored materials and building components” (p.3).

Pertinent results of the inspection included:

• Air temperature was within the MDPH recommended range.

• Relative humidity was within the MDPH recommended range. Relative humidity measurements inside were all below outdoor measurements at the time of the test.

• Dew point was within a range of 53°F to 57°F in areas tested during the assessment.

• Floor and wall surface temperatures were within within a range of 65°F to 75°F. All floors and walls were above the dew point and were not wet by condensation.

Once water damage remediation efforts have been completed, MDPH recommends the district take the following actions:

• Continue to use vacuum cleaners equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, which will remove residues of mold and mold spores from the environment.

• Continue to use air cleaners (purifiers) equipped with HEPA filters in classrooms below grade space (ground level).

• Ensure that all sink traps are wetted regularly to prevent water vapor backup into classrooms.

• Continue to examine equipment and supplies for either visible mold growth or odors. If found, discard and replace these materials. If relative humidity exceeds 70%, for extended periods of time, mold growth may occur due to wetting of building materials even in the absence of liquid water (ASHRAE, 2019).

At the time of the MDPH/IAQ visit, the district was in the process of undertaking remediation efforts, and these efforts were identified by MDPH/IAQ as being conducted in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings guidelines. The IAQ staff inspected all classrooms and examined all of the equipment being treated, including the OT/PT equipment that had originally prompted concern, and did not identify any visible mold, except in two guitar cases that were in storage. All affected items were disposed of immediately. These guitars had not been used by students this year. Based on the observations made during the visit, IAQ noted that it appeared that “most water-damaged materials were thoroughly dried and/or removed.”

Dr. Malkas has requested that Michael Feeney, Director of the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) program, present the report findings and recommendations to the School Committee. Mr. Feeney will address the School Committee at their regularly-scheduled meeting on October 1st, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the Brayton Elementary School library. In addition, Dr. Malkas has requested a general indoor air quality assessment from MDPH/IAQ following the completion of the remediation efforts, as recommended in the report.