The Board of Education believes that air quality in the District’s buildings deserves the attention of all staff
members who work within those buildings. This procedure provides guidance in the detection and response to
conditions leading to mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality ("IAQ").
Excessive moisture levels or improperly maintained HVAC systems can lead to conditions optimum for the
development of biological contaminants such as mold and fungi on indoor surfaces. When airborne, the presence
of these contaminants can be harmful on contact with human respiratory tissue. Contributing factors to excessive
moisture levels include, but are not limited to, the following:
A. Roof leaks
B. Structural defects in the building
C. Faulty plumbing
D. Improperly controlled humidity levels, and
E. Faulty HVAC systems/poor ventilation
Mold
Mold spores are always present in indoor air but do not reproduce in the indoor environment unless moisture and
an organic food source are present. Virtually any organic substance may meet the requirements as a food source,
and may include wood, carpeting, paper products (books, stored paper, files), insulation, foodstuff, wallboard,
ceiling titles, wall paper, etc. Attention must be focused on identifying excess moisture sources which, coupled
with the food source, may lead to mold development.
IAQ Coordinator
The Superintendent shall appoint an IAQ Coordinator who shall have the responsibility of investigating or causing to
be investigated all complaints relating to IAQ. Results of all such investigations are to be recorded and provided to
the Superintendent. These records are to include the source of the complaint, the steps taken to address the
complaint, and any remediation taken, if indicate.
Moisture Control
Staff members are to immediately report any signs of excess moisture to custodial personnel. This includes
plumbing leaks, wet spots on ceilings, walls, or windowsills, damp or sagging ceiling tiles, wet carpet,
condensation on pipes or overflowing HVAC drip pans, moisture collecting on air vents, or musty odors, or other
indications of excessive moisture within the building.
Once identified, steps shall be taken under the direction of the IAQ Coordinator to identify the moisture source and
to determine a course of action for proper response, including mold remediation, if indicated. It is important that
any wet or damp spots be cleaned and dried within forty-eight (48) hours and that indoor humidity levels be
maintained below sixty percent (60%) relative humidity and ideally between thirty to fifty percent (30% - 50%)
(USEPA) if possible.
If no maintenance staff members with the District have received specialized training in the identification and
remediation of mold, then the IAQ Coordinator shall determine whether it is necessary to enlist the services of
experienced professional to assist in this effort.
Hidden Mold
If building occupants are reporting health problems such as allergic responses (runny nose, eye irritation, skin
rash, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, headaches) or if an area has an unexplained musty smell, it is
possible that mold is present within the ceilings, walls, ductwork, under carpeting, or other areas that are not
obvious without further investigation. These concerns must not be ignored, and should be reported immediately to
supervisory personnel and the IAQ Coordinator.
If mold is suspected, area occupants may be removed and steps taken to identify the mold location. Personnel
searching for the mold should take proper safety precautions in order to safeguard their own health and to avoid
releasing additional mold spores into the air. At the direction of IAQ Coordinator, it may be necessary to enlist the
services of experienced professionals and it may be advisable to notify the county health department. The area in
question should not be re-occupied until the IAQ Coordinator has determined that the mold remediation has taken
place and moisture sources have been identified and corrected, or that the situation does not require such
remediation.
Staff Education
All staff are to be made aware of conditions necessary for mold development, and of each individual's responsibility
to report any concerns relative to those conditions to their supervisor.
EPA Website
The EPA website contains valuable information regarding mold and mold remediation in public buildings. The EPA
publication Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings is to be available for reference in all buildings.
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
The Board recognizes that excessive moisture levels within the schools can lead to conditions that are optimum for
the development of biological contaminants, such as mold and fungi on building surfaces. The Board further
recognizes that the presence of these contaminants can be harmful on contact with respiratory tissue.
Contributing factors to excessive moisture levels include the following:
A. Roof leaks
B. Structural defects in the building
C. Improperly controlled humidity levels
D. Faulty HVAC systems
As preventative measures, the District shall do the following:
A. Address prevention of water intrusion as a priority indoor air quality (IAQ) issue and implement strategies
toward its elimination
B. Maintain environmental conditions in occupied areas that are in compliance with applicable regulations and
strive to conform to consensus industry standards
C. Implement a preventative maintenance program for HVAC systems which shall include, but not be limited to,
periodic filter replacement, inspection, cleaning and disinfecting processes, and procedures to eliminate the
contribution to indoor air quality problems caused by this equipment
D. Implement a system for insuring materials used and purchased for use in the construction, furnishing and
maintenance, including cleaning of facilities, do not contribute to the health hazards to employees and
students by degrading the quality of indoor air. In addition, activities that create indoor air quality health
hazards shall not be permitted
In addition, the Superintendent shall develop administrative guidelines for the proper monitoring of the factors
that contribute to excessive moisture and for the development of mitigation plan when, and if, problems with
IAQ are identified.
Diesel Exhaust and School Bus Idling
In accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency's initiative to reduce pollution that is caused by school
buses on school property, the Board will take the recommended steps to reduce the negative effect of diesel
exhaust on indoor and outdoor air quality on school campuses. This effort shall include, but not be limited to,
reducing bus idling time and reinforcing smart driving practices.
The Superintendent shall develop the administrative guidelines necessary to establish these practices in the
District.
Pollution Control and Prevention
In an effort comply with the environmental policy and applicable regulations, the District shall develop and
implement procedures designed to prevent air and water pollution, minimize or eliminate waste streams where
possible, and identify possible sources of air and water pollution as required by State and Federal law.
Approved/Adopted: July 13, 2009 Approved/Adopted: August 1, 2013 |
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