Braun Intertec conducted an indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold assessment at the Client’s site in North Texas. The Client requested that Braun Intertec conduct an IAQ and visual mold assessment and collect air samples and bulk (tape lift) samples for analysis of mold throughout the Site due to observation of suspect mold growth on surfaces and artifacts. The Site experienced problems related to its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system in recent months, such as high humidity and lack of adequate ventilation.
The Site is a 55,000 square foot building originally constructed in 1980 as a warehouse, which was converted to a museum in 2000. The museum sits atop a pier-and-beam foundation with a crawl space ventilated by blowers. A chiller malfunction resulted in elevated temperature and humidity throughout the building for an extended period of time. An employee noticed suspected mold growth on stored artifacts, prompting the Client to call Braun Intertec for assistance. Further investigation concluded that operational issues related to the chillers’ performance, including lack of configuration of air handling units to effectively control humidity and negative air pressure, all encouraged moisture migration into the building.
Our experts performed a visual evaluation throughout the museum, collected direct-read measurements of standard air quality parameters, collected approximately 50 tape lift samples from surface areas and/or objects with visible suspect mold growth, and collected 21 air samples. The sampling results confirmed active mold growth in varying degrees present in air vents, surrounding ceiling areas and artifacts in storage. Braun Intertec direct-read humidity measurements combined with the observed mold growth indicated the HVAC system was likely overcooling the vents and other surfaces, encouraging humid air infiltration and high surface humidity so several recommendations were provided to the Client based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Position Document on Limiting Indoor Mold and Dampness in Buildings. Our consultants also recommended a mold remediation protocol so the Client could continue operations in a safe and healthy environment.
