This report was received by Mesa Public Schools on July 31, 2009.
MICROBIAL INVESTIGATION
RED MOUNTAIN RANCH ELEMENTARY
6650 E. RAFTRIVER
MESA, ARIZONA 85215
PROVIDED TO
MR. JOHN AMENSON
MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT #4
555 S. LEWIS
MESA, ARIZONA 85210
PREPARED BY
PRIME CONSULTING INC.
1942 E. SESAME STREET
TEMPE, ARIZONA 85283
(480) 777-1377
PROJECT NO. PC09721
July 24, 2009
George Hall, Project Manager
Adel J. Assaf, CIH, CSP, Certified Industrial Hygienist
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Prime Consulting Inc was retained by Mesa Unified School District to perform the services in association with a Microbial Investigation project at the Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School located at 6650 E. Raftriver in Mesa, Arizona. The survey was conducted due to the presence of visible mold observed inside room 11.
George Hall, Alfred Maldonado, and Mr. Adel Assaf a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) and Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with Prime Consulting conducted the microbial investigation from July 1, 2009 through July 18, 2009. The investigation consisted of a visual inspection for the mold remediation project and spore trap Air-O-Cell sampling.
2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The identified mold-containing materials (wood paneling and drywall, approximately 56 square feet) were removed from classroom 11 (north wall by the Atrium, south wall in the fire riser room by room 11, and north wall in the panel room also by room 11) areas. George Hall and Adel Assaf of Prime Consulting executed the project from July 1 through July 18, 2009. Southwest Hazard Control, the abatement contractor began preparation of the work areas on July 1, 2009 with five certified workers and one supervisor. As a precaution, the following classrooms where Atriums are located were also surveyed and no additional microbial issues were detected: rooms 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, and 6.
In addition, the flooring areas at the main entrance, north entrance, and south entrance to the first floors were also removed and air samples collected inside the containments.
Ambient air samples were collected inside the containment areas in the classrooms, hallways, and outside the building. Laboratory analytical results for the containment areas were found to be acceptable containing low levels of total mold spores when compared to the outdoor samples. The Air-O-Cell sample collected on July 6, 2009 inside the south hallway (Armstrong Avenue Hallway) did have elevated levels of spores while the contractor was removing the floor tile in entrance to the hallway. The area was re-sampled after the contractor finished the flooring removal and the result was acceptable with lower mold spores in the hallway (Armstrong Avenue Hallway) than outdoors.
At the request of the District ambient air samples were collected from all of the classrooms and office rooms on July 17 and 18, 2009. The July 17 and 18, 2009 analytical results were found to be acceptable containing low levels of total mold spores when compared to the outdoor samples.
3.0 MICROBIAL SURVEY
On July 1, 2009 George Hall of Prime Consulting conducted the preliminary microbial investigation consisted of a visual inspection for the potential presence of microbial contamination. The visible mold inside classroom 11 was contained behind the wall panels and cove base on the floor. Southwest Hazard Control established negative pressure containments inside the classrooms prior to disturbing the contaminated walls. Containments were established in all the classrooms and/or hallways inside the first floor prior to removing any wall panels, drywall or flooring systems.
Ambient air samples were collected for airborne particulates using Zefon Air-O-Cell™ sampling cassettes and a high-volume Zefon “Mini-Pump or Bio-Pump Plus” ™ air sampling pump. The Air-O-Cell™ is a particulate sampling cassette used for the rapid collection and analysis of a wide range of airborne aerosols including mold spores (to the genus level), pollen, insect parts and skin fragments. It should be noted that fungal spores captured through the Air-O-Cell™ cassette are reported as total, meaning they include both viable and nonviable organisms and are identified to the genus level.
Ambient air samples were collected inside the containments, classrooms, and outdoors. Laboratory analytical results indicated that the air samples collected inside the building on July 2 through July 18, 2009 were found to contain low levels of total mold spores when compared to the outdoor samples. The exception being the sample mentioned above.
Ambient air samples (Phase Contrast Microscopy -PCM) were also collected for fiber concentration (fibers per cubic centimeter -f/cc) during the removal of the wall panels and drywall in some areas of the first floor. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) samples were collected inside the hallways of the first floor on July 18, 2009 for post remediation air analysis also inside the first floor. A bulk sample was collected inside the coil pan in the hallway by the office and analyzed for microbial and asbestos content and the result was none-detect.
Samples were delivered to EMC Laboratories, in Phoenix, Arizona. EMC Labs is certified through their participation in the AIHA NVLAP and EMPAT programs. The TEM samples were delivered to EMSL Analytical, Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona. EMSL is also accredited through the AIHA NVLAP program. A summary of all sample results is presented in Appendix A. Copies of all microbial air samples, microbial bulk sample, PCM and TEM air sample laboratory results along with chain of custody sheets are presented in Appendix B.
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMENDATION
Final laboratory analytical results indicated that the air samples collected in at the Red Mountain Ranch Elementary School found to contain low levels of total mold spores when compared to the outdoor samples. The PCM and TEM air sample results were below the OSHA recommended levels of 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeter and less than 70 structures per centimeter square. Remediation activities were considered complete upon successful visual inspections and air monitoring conducted by Prime Consulting.
No further testing is required at this time, based solely on the conditions of the current test. However, further testing is recommended when significant changes to building conditions occur (e.g., change in season, extent of reported symptoms, sources of humidity, etc) that impact the presence of mold.
5.0 CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS
Air sampling results are limited in that they represent airborne concentrations at the time of sample collection only. Changes in operating procedures, ventilation, temperature, occupancy, procedures, equipment, sources, products used, and other conditions may cause variations in anticipated airborne concentrations.
Prime Consulting appreciates the opportunity to provide you with consulting services.
Sincerely,
PRIME CONSULTING INC.
George Hall
Project Manager