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11111 Hwy 225, La Porte TX | www.totalsafety.com
Indoor Air Quality Survey Report
Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District
Highlands Elementary
SURVEY LOCATION: 200 E Wallisville Road Highlands, Texas 77562
PROJECT NUMBER: 9900
PROJECT CONTACT: Mike Rasmussen
SURVEY DATE: October 6, 2017
PROJECT MANAGER: Ronald E. Fife
REPORT DATE: October 17, 2017
REPORT PREPARED BY: Ronald E. Fife, MAC
VERSION: Final
TXDSHS Mold Assessment Consultant License: MAC0229 Expires: 01/15/2018
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 2 October 17, 2017 9900
Indoor Air Quality Survey Report
Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District
Highlands Elementary
ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
On October 6, 2017, Ronald E. Fife, Field Services Consultant with Total Safety U.S. Inc. (Total Safety), and
Texas Department of State Health Services Licensed Mold Assessment Consultant (MAC), performed an
Indoor Air Quality Survey of Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room 102 and inside rooms 103
and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. The purpose of the survey activities was to
collect direct read measurements in selected areas from inside and outside the building for temperature,
relative humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, to collect surface samples from any observed suspect
visible mold, and to visually inspect the HVAC system for dirty components or filters, blocked or poorly
positioned diffusers or grilles, and any standing water or condensation.
On January 1, 2005, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) instituted the Texas Mold
Assessment and Remediation Rules (25 TAC §§295.301-295.338), requiring that all companies and
individuals who perform mold-related activities obtain an appropriate license from the State. DSHS
defines a mold assessment as follows: A Mold Assessment involves an inspection of a building to evaluate
whether mold growth is present, and to what extent. Samples may be taken to determine the amount
and types of mold that are present; however, sampling is not necessary in many cases. A Mold Assessment
Consultant (MAC) is responsible for developing a mold remediation protocol that specifies the estimated
quantities and locations of materials to be remediated, the proposed methods to use and clearance
criteria that must be met. Attachment 1 contains the DSHS Consumer Mold Information Sheet.
SURVEY AND ANALYSIS METHODS
Total Fungal Air Samples
Total Safety collected four (4) samples from within Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room 102
and inside rooms 103 and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. One (1) additional
sample was collected outdoors, for comparison purposes. The air. samples were collected using a Buck
Bio-Aire Bioaerosol sampling pump operating at a flow rate of 15 liters per minute (lpm) to draw ambient
air across an Allergenco-D Disposable IAQ Air Monitoring Cassette. The Allergenco-D Disposable IAQ Air
Monitoring Cassette collects both viable and non-viable mold spores. All samples were collected using a
sampling time of 5 minutes. Results are presented in Table 2.
All samples were analyzed via light microscopy at the standardized magnification of 300X and 600X. The
results include both viable (live) and non-viable (dead) fungal spores. This technique does not allow for
the differentiation between Aspergillus and Penicillium spores because they are morphologically identical.
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 3 October 17, 2017 9900
Additionally, the technique does not allow for cultivation, or the identification of spores to the species
level, except in a few cases.
Direct Reading Instrument Samples
A TSI Q-Trak, Model 7565-X (serial number 7565X0819016) was used to measure temperature, relative
humidity, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide levels. This unit contains a non-dispersive infrared sensor for
determining carbon dioxide levels, an electrochemical sensor for determining carbon monoxide levels, a
thermistor for temperature, and a thin-film capacitive sensor for relative humidity measurement.
OBSERVATIONS
Highlands Elementary
Highlands Elementary is constructed of a concrete slab, with carpeting and / or floor tile, brick
exterior walls, sheetrock interior walls, and a lay-in ceiling tile grid system.
It was reported that there were musty smells and allergic type reactions in the rooms / areas.
It was also reported that there may have been past roof leaks.
Relative Humidity (RH) readings were collected from within the building and the measurements
ranged from 53% to 57%.
Table 1 contains the measurements collected during the sampling of within Rooms 121, open area outside
Room 102, Room 102 and inside rooms 103 and 104 and the outdoors from Highlands.
Table 1: Direct Instrument Readings
Sample Location Temperature
(Fo) RH (%)
CO2
(ppm) CO
(ppm)
Outdoors 94 39 3186 0.0
Room 121 70 53 850 0.2
Area outside of Room 102 67 55 1088 0.0
Room 102, By Teachers Desk 70 57 1126 0.0
Inside Rooms 103 and 104 where partition is located
70 23 1089 0.0
Total Mold Spore Counts
A total of four (4) samples were collected from within Rooms 121, open area outside Room 102, Room
102 and inside rooms 103 and 104 located at Highlands Elementary in Highlands, Texas. One (1) additional
sample was collected outdoors, for comparison purposes. Results are presented in Table 2; laboratory
analytical results and are found in Attachment 2.
Total mold spore counts indoor measurements ranged from 13 counts per cubic meter of air (cts/m3) to
160 cts/m3; the outdoor level measured 9,540 cts/m3. There are no standards for airborne spore counts;
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 4 October 17, 2017 9900
industry standard is to compare total numbers and species identified indoors to those identified outdoors.
The interior sample, the types of spores were comparable to those found outside. The quantities were
well below quantities identified outside.
Table 2. Total Mold Spore Air Sample Results
FOR
COMPARISON INDOORS
Sample Number GCCISD100617
RF-01 GCCISD100617
RF-02 GCCISD100617
RF-03 GCCISD100617
RF-04 GCCISD100617
RF-05
Sample Location Outdoors Room 121 Area Outside of Room 102
Room 102, By Teachers Desk
Between Room 103 and 104
Species Total Concentration (cts/m3)
Alternaria 67 - - - -
Ascospores 427 - - - -
Basidiospores 5,440 - - - -
Bipolaris - - - -
Cercospora-like 40 - - -
Chaetomium - - - -
Cladosporium 3,110 - - -
Curvularia 107 13 93 107 27
Drechslera-like 27 - - 27 -
Epicoccum - - - - -
Fusarium 93 - - - -
Memnoniella - - - - -
Nigrospora 53 - - - -
Oidium / Erysiphe - - - - -
Penicillium/Aspergillius - - - - -
Peronospora - - - - -
Pithomyces/Ulocladium 27 - - 13 -
Rust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia 40 - - 13 -
Spegazzinia 27 - 13 - -
Stachybotrys - - - - -
Tetraploa 13 - - - -
Torula 67 - - - -
Unidentified - - - - -
Total Count 9,540 13 107 160 27
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary Page 5 October 17, 2017 9900
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Relative humidity levels were all lower than 65% in the areas sampled
2. The areas sampled have not been adversely impacted by fungal contamination.
3. The temperature levels were within acceptable parameters and recommended regulatory
guideline; no further action is required.
4. The indoor carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels were within acceptable parameters and
recommended regulatory guidelines; no further action is required.
5. Suspect visible mold was not observed in the areas sampled.
6. The HVAC supply and Return vents were free of dust, dirt and debris.
REFERENCES
AIHA. (2008). Recognition, Evaluation, and Control of Indoor Mold. Fairfax, VA: American Industrial
Hygiene Association.
ASHRAE. (2013). Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. Atlanta, GA: American Society of Heating,
Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers.
IICRC. (2008). Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation. Vancouver, WA:
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.
TDSHS. (2007, May 20). Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules. Retrieved August 4, 2011, from
Mold Program Rules and Regulations: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/rules.shtm
Attachments
Attachment 1 Consumer Mold Information Sheet
Attachment 2 Laboratory Sample Results
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary January 27, 2017 9900
Attachment 1
Consumer Mold Information Sheet
Page 1 of 2 Publication #18-12049 Rev. 03/14
CONSUMER MOLD INFORMATION SHEET Regulation of Mold Assessment and Remediation in Texas
State rules require licensed mold assessors and remediators to give a copy of this Consumer Mold Information Sheet to each client
and to the property owner, if not the same person, before starting any mold-related activity [25 TAC 295.306(c)] .
How does Texas regulate businesses that do
testing for mold or that do mold cleanup?
The Department of State Health Services
(DSHS) regulates such businesses in accordance
with the Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1958.
Under the Texas Mold Assessment and
Remediation Rules (Rules) (25 Tex. Admin. Code
Sections 295.301 - 295.338), all companies and
individuals who perform mold-related activities in
Texas must be licensed by DSHS unless exempt.
(See Page 2 regarding owner exemptions.)
Applicants must meet certain qualifications, have
required training, and pass a state exam in order to
receive their licenses. Mold remediation workers
must have training and be registered with DSHS.
Laboratories that analyze mold samples must also
be licensed and meet certain qualifications. The
Rules set minimum work standards and require
licensees to follow a code of ethics. To prevent
conflicts of interest, the Rules also prohibit a
licensee from conducting both mold assessment and
mold remediation on the same project. While the
Rules regulate the activities of mold licensees when
they are doing mold-related activities, the Rules do
not require any property owner or occupant to clean
up mold or to have it cleaned up.
How can I know if someone is licensed?
A licensed individual is required to carry a
current DSHS photo identification card with the
license number on it. A search tool and listings of
currently licensed companies and individuals can be
found at: www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/profession.shtm.
What is “mold assessment?”
Mold assessment is an inspection of a
building by a mold assessment consultant or
technician to evaluate whether mold growth is
present and to what extent. Samples may be taken
to determine the amount and types of mold that are
present; however, sampling is not necessary in
many cases. When mold cleanup is necessary a
licensed mold assessment consultant can provide
you with a mold remediation protocol. A protocol
must specify the estimated quantities and locations
of materials to be remediated, methods to be used
and clearance criteria that must be met.
What is meant by “clearance criteria?” Clearance criteria refer to the level of
“cleanliness” that must be achieved by the persons
conducting the mold cleanup. You should
understand and agree with the mold assessment
consultant prior to starting the project as to what an
acceptable clearance level will be, including what
will be acceptable results for any air sampling or
surface sampling for mold. There are no national
or state standards for a “safe” level of mold. Mold
spores are a natural part of the environment and are
always present at some level in the air and on
surfaces all around us.
What is “mold remediation?”
Mold remediation is the cleanup and
removal of mold growth from surfaces and/or
contents in a building. It also refers to actions taken
to prevent mold from growing back. Licensed
mold remediation contractors must follow a mold
remediation protocol as described above and their
own mold remediation work plan that provides
specific instructions and/or standard operating
procedures for how the project will be done.
Before a remediation project can be deemed
successful, a mold assessment consultant must
conduct a post-remediation assessment. This is an
inspection to ensure that the work area is free from
all visible mold and wood rot, the project was
completed in compliance with the remediation
protocol and remediation work plan, and that it
meets all clearance criteria that were specified in the
protocol. The assessment consultant must give you
a passed clearance report documenting the results
of this inspection. If the project fails clearance,
further remediation as prescribed by a consultant
will be necessary.
Page 2 of 2 Publication #18-12049 Rev. 03/14
What is a Certificate of Mold Damage
Remediation? No later than 10 days after a mold
remediation project has passed a clearance
inspection, the remediation contractor must sign and
give you a Certificate of Mold Damage
Remediation. The licensed mold assessment
consultant who conducted the post-remediation
assessment must also sign the certificate. The
consultant must truthfully state on the certificate
that the mold contamination identified for the
project has been remediated and whether the
underlying cause of the mold has been corrected.
(That work may involve other types of professional
services that are not regulated by the mold Rules,
such as plumbing or carpentry.) Receiving a
certificate documenting that the underlying cause of
the mold was remediated is an advantage for a
homeowner. It prevents an insurer from making an
underwriting decision on the residential property
based on previous mold damage or previous claims
for mold damage. If you sell your property, the law
requires that you provide the buyer a copy of all
certificates you have received for that property
within the preceding five years.
How is a property owner protected if a mold
assessor or remediator does a poor job or
actually damages the property?
The Rules require licensees to have
commercial general liability insurance in the
amount of $1 million, or to be self-insured, to cover
any damage to your property. Before hiring anyone
you should ask for proof of such insurance
coverage. You may wish to inquire if the company
carries additional insurance, such as professional
liability/errors and omissions (for consultants) or
pollution insurance (for contractors), that would
provide additional recourse to you should the
company fail to perform properly.
How is my confidentiality protected if I share
personal information about myself with a
company?
Under the code of ethics in the Rules, to the
extent required by law, licensees must keep
confidential any personal information about a client
(including medical conditions) obtained during the
course of a mold-related activity. Further, you may
be able to negotiate a contract to include language
that other personal information be kept confidential
unless disclosure “is required by law.” However,
licensees are required to identify dates and
addresses of projects and other details that can
become public information.
How do I file a complaint about a company? Anyone who believes a company or
individual has violated the Rules can file a
complaint with DSHS. For information on this
process and/or to obtain the complaint form, call 1-
800-293-0753, or download the form at
www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold/complaint.shtm.
Can property owners do mold assessment or
remediation on their own property without being
licensed?
Yes. A homeowner can take samples for
mold or clean it up in the home without a license.
An owner, or a managing agent or employee of an
owner of a residential property is not required to be
licensed, unless the property has 10 or more
residential dwelling units. For non-residential
properties, an owner or tenant, or a managing agent
or employee of an owner or tenant, is not required
to be licensed to do mold assessment or remediation
on property owned or leased by the owner or tenant,
unless the mold contamination affects a total
surface area of 25 contiguous square feet or more.
Please refer to 25 TAC §295.303 for further details
on exceptions and exemptions to licensing
requirements.
For more information about mold and the Texas Mold Assessment and Remediation Rules, contact:
Texas Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 149347, MC 1987, Austin, TX 78714-9347.
Phone: 512-834-6787 or 800-293-0753. Fax: 512-834-6726. www.dshs.state.tx.us/mold
GCCISD – Highlands Elementary January 27, 2017 9900
Attachment 2
Laboratory Sample Results
J3 Order #:Project #:
Receipt Date:Analysis Date:
Report Date:
Raw Count Spores / m3% Raw Count Spores / m3
% Raw Count Spores / m3 %
5 67 < 132 427 4
408 5440 573 40 < 1
233 3110 338 107 1 1 13 100 7 93 882 27 < 1
7 93 < 1
4 53 < 1
2 27 < 13 40 < 12 27 < 1 1 13 13
1 13 < 15 67 < 1
715 9540 100 1 13 100 8 107 100
Raw Count Raw Count Raw Count
5 118 1
Analyst:Lee Poye
16-Oct-2017
These results relate only to the samples submitted and were received in acceptable condition unless stated otherwise. The laboratory is not responsible for concentrations which dependend on volume collected by non-laboratory personnel. Samples are analyzed according to J3 SOP# 7-03-2, which includes a 100% scan of the trace at 200X magnification and a minimum of 20% of the trace counted at 400X magnification. Debris rank indicates loading of particulates, both biological and non-biological, which may interfere with analysis. High debris rankings (4+) may obscure small spores and/or prevent the adherence of airborne particulates. Fungal counts on samples with high debris or 'overloaded' rankings should be regarded as minimal with actual counts being higher than reported. Blank corrections are not applied to data unless requested by the customer. LOD = Limit of Detection. N/A = Not Applicable.
Pollen 240 13Hyphal Fragments 67 13
Particles / m3 Particles / m3 Particles / m3
TotalsMISCELLANEOUS PARTICLES DETAIL
Duane Salinas QA Officer
Unidentified Spores
TetraploaTorula
SpegazziniaStachybotrys
Pithomyces/UlocladiumRust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia
OidiumPenicillium/Aspergillus-like
MemnoniellaNigrospora
EpicoccumFusarium
CurvulariaDrechslera-like
ChaetomiumCladosporium
BasidiosporesCercospora-like
AlternariaAscospores
INDIVIDUAL FUNGAL SPORE DETAIL
Limit of Detection (Particles/m3) 13 13 13
Total Fungal Count (Spores/m3) 9540 13 107
Location Highlands Elementary, Outdoors Highlands Elementary, Room 121 Highlands Elementary, Outside Room 102
Volume (liters) 75 75 75Debris Rank (0-5) 3 3 3
GCCISD/Highland ElementarySample Number GCCISD100617RF-01 GCCISD100617RF-02 GCCISD100617RF-03
La Porte, TX 77571
Spore Trap Report - Total Airborne Fungal SporesRonald FifeTotal Safety EHS Services
JP171002841990009-Oct-201715-Oct-2017
J3 Resources, Inc.3113 Red Bluff Rd. Pasadena, TX 77503
Phone: (713) 290-0223 – Fax: (832) 831-5669j3resources.com
11111 Hwy 225
TDSHS Mold License LAB0133 Page 1 of 2
J3 Order #:Project #:
Receipt Date:Analysis Date:
Report Date:
Raw Count Spores / m3% Raw Count Spores / m3
% Raw Count Spores / m3 %
8 107 67 2 27 1002 27 17
1 13 81 13 8
12 160 100 2 27 100
Raw Count Raw Count Raw Count
42
Analyst:Lee Poye
These results relate only to the samples submitted and were received in acceptable condition unless stated otherwise. The laboratory is not responsible for concentrations which dependend on volume collected by non-laboratory personnel. Samples are analyzed according to J3 SOP# 7-03-2, which includes a 100% scan of the trace at 200X magnification and a minimum of 20% of the trace counted at 400X magnification. Debris rank indicates loading of particulates, both biological and non-biological, which may interfere with analysis. High debris rankings (4+) may obscure small spores and/or prevent the adherence of airborne particulates. Fungal counts on samples with high debris or 'overloaded' rankings should be regarded as minimal with actual counts being higher than reported. Blank corrections are not applied to data unless requested by the customer. LOD = Limit of Detection. N/A = Not Applicable.
Duane Salinas QA Officer
Hyphal Fragments 53Pollen 27
TotalsMISCELLANEOUS PARTICLES DETAIL
Particles / m3 Particles / m3 Particles / m3
MemnoniellaNigrosporaOidiumPenicillium/Aspergillus-likePithomyces/UlocladiumRust/Smuts/Myxomycetes/Perconia
SpegazziniaStachybotrysTetraploaTorulaUnidentified Spores
Fusarium
INDIVIDUAL FUNGAL SPORE DETAIL
AlternariaAscosporesBasidiosporesCercospora-likeChaetomiumCladosporiumCurvulariaDrechslera-likeEpicoccum
Limit of Detection (Particles/m3) 13 13
Total Fungal Count (Spores/m3) 160 27
Location Highlands Elementary, Room 102, By Teacher's Desk Highlands Elementary, Between Rooms 103&104
Volume (liters) 75 75Debris Rank (0-5) 4 2
La Porte, TX 77571 15-Oct-201716-Oct-2017
GCCISD/Highland ElementarySample Number GCCISD100617RF-04 GCCISD100617RF-05
Ronald Fife JP171002841Total Safety EHS Services 990011111 Hwy 225 09-Oct-2017
J3 Resources, Inc.3113 Red Bluff Rd. Pasadena, TX 77503
Phone: (713) 290-0223 – Fax: (832) 831-5669j3resources.com
Spore Trap Report - Total Airborne Fungal Spores
TDSHS Mold License LAB0133 Page 2 of 2
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