INDOOR AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

PERFORMED AT

BUILDING 46,
ROOF ASSEMBLY AND LIGHTNING PROTECTION
BAY PINES REGIONAL VA
9500 BAY PINES BLVD.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL

PREPARED FOR

ESASOUTH,INC.
2727BNW43RDST.SUITE7C
GAINESVILLE, FL 32606
PREPARED BY

5420 Bay Center Drive, Suite 100

Tampa, Florida 33609
Phone: (813) 626-8156

OHC PROJECT NO.: 150074-IA

PREPARED ON

May 7, 2015

May 7, 2015

Mr. Philip Burke

Senior Project Manager
ESA South, Inc.
2727B NW 43rd. Suite 7C
Gainesville, FL 32606
Re:

Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Roof Assembly and Lighting Protection Project
Bay Pines VA Regional
Building 46
OHC Project No. 150074-IA

Dear Mr. Burke,

OHC Environmental Engineering Inc. (OHC) is pleased to present the report for the Indoor Air
Quality Assessment conducted on April, 29 2015. These services took place at Building 46
located at Bay Pines VA Medical Center. The assessment was limited in scope to indoor air
quality concerns regarding the Roof Assembly and Lighting Protection project.
If we can be of further assistance, please contact us at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Report Prepared by:

James F. Rizk, CIH

OHC ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, INC.

5420 BAY CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100, TAMPA, FLORIDA 33609
PHONE: (813) 626 8156 FAX: (813) 623 6702
WEBSITE: WWW.OHCNET.COM

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0

INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................2
1.1

2.0

Executive Summary .................................................................................................2

OBSERVATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS ......................................................................2

2.1

Visual Observations & Moisture .............................................................................3

2.2

Biological Surface Samples .....................................................................................4

2.3

Environmental Conditions .......................................................................................6

3.0

RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................................7

4.0

METHODS .......................................................................................................................10
4.1

Thermal Comfort ...................................................................................................10

4.2

Biological Air Samples ..........................................................................................10

4.4

Moisture Measurements .........................................................................................10

APPENDIX I LABORATORY ANALYTICAL RESULTS

APPENDIX II SITE PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX III IR PHOTOGRAPHS
APPENDIX IV MOISTURE LOCATION MAP
APPENDIX V CONSULTANT CREDENTIALS

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

1.0 INTRODUCTION
OHC Environmental Engineering, Inc., (OHC), was contracted by Mr. Phillip Burke
with ESA South, Inc., to perform an indoor air quality assessment at the Bay Pines VA
Medical Center, Building 46, located at 9500 Bay Pines Blvd. in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The purpose of this assessment was limited in scope to indoor air quality concerns
regarding the Roof Assembly and Lighting Protection project, partial third floor only.
Representatives from OHC Environmental Engineering Inc., Mr. James F. Rizk, CIH,
Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and Mr. Eric S. Mauritz, CIE, Florida Licensed Mold
Assessor, visited the area of Building 46 on April 28 and 29, 2015 to evaluate the area
environment for sources of indoor air quality contamination.

1.1

Executive Summary
Mr. Rizk and Mr. Mauritz performed a visual assessment within the area of
concern within building 46 in order to determine sources of potential indoor air
quality contamination. They also collected surface samples for biological agents
and collected comfort parameter testing which included: temperature, relative
humidity, Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide.
Based on the assessment water is believed to be infiltrating the area via the sky
light affecting all walls along the sky light. There is also evidence of water
infiltrating from along the exterior walls most likely from the roof or parapet wall.
Due to the extent of water damage and Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth
(VPFG) remediation is highly recommended. (Please refer to section 2.0
observations and assessments and section 3.0 recommendations).
Comfort parameter samples collected for temperature, relative humidity and
carbon monoxide were all within ASHERA recommended levels. These samples
were collected with minimum occupancy in the area so conditions may change
significantly once the area is fully occupied.
An Asbestos survey is required prior to any remediation or disturbance of any
building material. It is my understanding that the VA hospital has an Asbestos
survey of this facility.

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

2.0 OBSERVATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS

2.1

Visual Observations

A visual inspection was completed on the on April 28 and 29, 2015. The findings of the
visual inspection indicated the following findings:
North Skylight Wall:
Along North Wall (skylight wall):
Water damage and deterioration located on drywall ceiling which
encompasses structural beam
Heavy rust and wet fire proofing associated with column *fire proofing =
100% moisture content
Bottom inch of drywall is wet around columns *drywall lower one inch =
100% moisture content
In the section that is covered with wallpaper; there is heavy Visible
Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG) on the drywall behind the wallpaper
Northeast Corner:
Water damage and deterioration located on drywall ceiling which
encompasses structural beam
Light Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG) located behind vinyl
base molding below corner of the windows

North Room (facing sky light):

Heavy water damage and deterioration located on drywall ceiling which
encompasses structural beam
Heavy rust located on the structural beam near the ceiling
There is Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG) located on the back
side of the drywall which encompasses the structural beam near the ceiling
Water staining located on top of blinds
Water staining located on 2X4 fissured ceiling tiles
West Exterior Wall:
Along West Wall (exterior wall):
Rust is present on the metal corner strips associated with the vertical
columns
Water staining located on the window sills
Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG) located behind vinyl base
molding and located on the drywall behind the vinyl cover associated with
the columns

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BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

West Wall near Southwest Column:

Water damage and deterioration located on drywall ceiling which
encompasses structural beam
Water damage and deterioration (cracking) to the drywall walls between
windows *drywall = 100% moisture content
South Exterior Wall:
Southwest Column:
Signs of rodent/animal activity located around the column below the
raised flooring
Southeast Column:
Heavy water damage and deterioration to the window sill.
Water staining located on the 2x4 fissured ceiling tile
Water damage to the drywall wall
Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG) located on the window sill
and on the drywall column below the raised flooring
East Exterior Wall:
East Exterior Wall:
Light Water damage to drywall ceiling which encompasses the structural
beam
Central Chase:
Central Chase:
Heavy rust located on the metal corner strips associated with the chase
2.2

Biological Samples

Surface Samples:

A total of three (3) biological surface samples were collected from the following
areas: Sample number one (1) was collected from within the North room, on the
backside of the water damaged drywall, which encompasses the structural ceiling
beam. Sample number two (2) was collected from the North wall, behind the
vinyl wall paper. Sample number three (3) was collected from the North wall in
the Northeast corner, behind the base molding, below the corner window. Sample
number one (1) yielded a Medium concentration of Aspergillus/Penicillium
species, Cladosporium Species, a high concentration of Stachybotrys and
Memnoniella and a Low concentration of Curvularia. Sample number two (2)
yielded a high concentrations of Aspergillus/Penicillium and a high count of

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

Chaetomium. Sample number three (3) yielded a high concentration of

Chaetomium and a Low concentration of Aspergillus/Penicllium.
*LOW = Indicates Possible growth, or prolonged exposure to ubiquitous mold
*MEDIUM = Indicates growth and some limited contamination may exist
*HIGH= Indicates growth, coloniztaions and contamination.
*RARE =1- 10 *LOW = 11 - 100 *MEDIUM = 101-1000 *HIGH= >1000
* Please Refer to Appendix I for laboratory reports.

Cladosporium is a genus of fungi including some of the most common indoor and
outdoor molds. The many species of Cladosporium are commonly found on living
and dead plant material. Some species are plant pathogens, others parasitize other
fungi. Cladosporium spores are wind-dispersed and they are often extremely
abundant in outdoor air. Indoors Cladosporium species may grow on surfaces
when moisture is present. Cladosporium species are rarely pathogenic to humans,
but have been reported to cause infections of the skin and toenails, as well as
sinusitis and pulmonary infections. If left untreated, these infections could turn
into respiratory infections like pneumonia. The airborne spores of Cladosporium
species are significant allergens, and in large amounts they can severely affect
asthmatics and people with respiratory diseases. Cladosporium species produce
no major mycotoxins of concern, but do produce volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) associated with odors.
Aspergillus - This genus of fungi includes over 185 species. Members of this
genus are known as organisms that cause deterioration of materials. Among all
filamentous fungi, Aspergillus is the most commonly isolated in invasive and
opportunistic infections. Aspergillosis is the group of diseases caused by
Aspergillus. The most common subtype among paranasal sinus infections
associated with aspergillosis is A. fumigatus. The symptoms include fever,
cough, chest pain, or breathlessness, which also occur in many other illnesses, so
diagnosis can be difficult. Usually, only patients with already weakened immune
systems or who suffer other lung conditions are susceptible.
Penicillium is a very large group of fungi. They are commonly found in the soil, air
and on living vegetation. Some species are able to produce mycotoxins(1).
Curvularia sp. most species are pathogens of soil, plants, and cereal plants and is
found mostly in tropical or subtropical regions. It is commonly found on paper and
wood products. As well as being a contaminant, Curvularia may cause infections in
both humans and animals. It is reported to be an allergen causing Type I allergies
(i.e. asthma, hay fever) and is a relatively common cause of allergic fungal sinusitis.

Boss,MarthaJ.andDay,DennisW.2003,BiologicalRiskEngineeringHandbook.LewisPublishersWashington,
D.C.

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BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

Stachybotrys sp.typically will grow on high cellulose building materials (i.e.

drywall, gypsum board, paper, dust and fiber board that have been exposed to
excessive moisture content (i.e. humidity, leaks, water infiltration and
condensation) Constant moisture is required for its growth. Stachybotrys may
produece trichothecene mycotoxins known as satratoxins, and these toxins may
lead to pathological changes in animal and human tissues, which could result in
serious health effects.
2.3

Environmental Conditions
Dry bulb temperature (Tdb) and relative humidity (RH) measurements were
collected on April 29, 2015. Interior average temperature averaged 70.6F and
average Interior RH was 53.2%. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and
Air-conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE) 55 criteria for thermal comfort were
met based for temperature and relative humidity on the day of the survey.
Observed environmental conditions are summarized in Table 1 below.
TABLE 1: ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
BUIILDING 46
APRIL 29, 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL TEST RESULTS
LOCATION NAME

Room 108

CARBON DIOXIDE
CO2
(ppm)

DRY BULB
TEMPERATURE
(F)

RELATIVE
HUMIDITY
(%)

807

70.6

53.2

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on the findings of the air quality assessment remediation is highly recommended.
OHC recommends the following to be performed within containment, under negative air
pressure, with critical barriers sealed, utilizing HEPA vacuums, wet wipe or other
approved methods for cleaning, followed by dehumidification and/or drying.
Prior to build back the remediated areas should be inspected by a Florida Licensed
Mold Assessor. Any leaks associated with the roof or skylight should be identified and
repaired prior to build back or it is likely that any issues will be re-occurring. If
deemed more cost effective full sheets of drywall may be removed instead of localized
removal.
North Wall:

Due to the extent of water damage and Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG)
found; all dry wall along the north wall (skylight wall) should be removed floor to
ceiling spanning the length of the wall. This includes any associated spray-on fire
proofing as well as any other type of insulation. The drywall ceiling should also be
removed starting at the north wall extending toward the south wall three (3) feet along
the north wall (skylight wall) spanning the length of the wall. Should any additional
water damage or VPFG be found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of
water damage or VPFG contaminated area. The wall and ceiling cavities should be
thoroughly cleaned and dried following current industry standards.

North Room, North Wall (skylight wall):

Due to the extent of water damage and Visible Presumptive Fungal Growth (VPFG)
detected; all dry wall along the north wall (skylight wall) should be removed floor to
ceiling spanning the length of the wall. This includes any associated spray-on fire
proofing as well as any other type of insulation. The drywall ceiling should also be
removed starting at the north wall extending toward the south wall three (3) feet along
the north wall (skylight wall) spanning the length of the wall. Any water damaged
ceiling tiles should be removed and disposed of. Should additional water damage or
VPFG be found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or
VPFG contaminated area. The wall and ceiling cavities should be thoroughly cleaned
and dried following current industry standards.

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

West Exterior Wall:

Columns: All vinyl wall coverings and drywall should be removed from all existing
columns floor to ceiling. This includes any associated spray-on fire proofing as well
as any other type of insulation. The drywall ceiling should be removed two (2) feet
from the edge of all columns radiating out in all directions. The wall and ceiling
cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and dried following current industry standards.
Should additional water damage or VPFG be found then continue removal two (2)
feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG contaminated area.

Windows: Drywall and any associated insulation should be removed two (2) feet
around all windows. Wall cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and dried following
current industry standards. Should additional water damage or VPFG be found then
continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG contaminated
area.

Along west wall: All remaining vinyl base molding should be removed spanning the
length of the wall. Should additional water damage or VPFG be found then continue
removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG contaminated area.

Near Southwest Column: Between the windows located below the water damaged
ceiling, drywall and any associated insulation should be removed from floor to
ceiling. The drywall ceiling should be removed two (2) feet starting at the edge of
water damage extending out in all directions. The wall and ceiling cavities should be
thoroughly cleaned and dried following current industry standards. Should additional
water damage or VPFG be found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of
water damage or VPFG contaminated area.

South Exterior Wall:

Southwest column: The vinyl wall covering and drywall should be removed from the
column floor to ceiling. This includes any associated spray-on fire proofing as well as
any other type of insulation. The drywall ceiling should be removed two (2) feet
from the edge of all columns radiating out in all directions. Wall and ceiling cavities
should be thoroughly cleaned and dried following current industry standards. Should
additional water damage or VPFG be found then continue removal two (2) feet from
the edge of water damage or VPFG contaminated area.
*Signs of animal activity were noted and precautions should be utilized upon removal
of drywall.

Southeast corner: drywall should be removed from floor to ceiling starting at the
Southeast corner spanning four (4) feet to the east and west. This includes any

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

associated spray-on fire proofing as well as any other type of insulation. The drywall
ceiling should be removed two (2) feet from the edge of all columns radiating out in
all directions. The wall and ceiling cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and dried
following current industry standards. Should additional water damage or VPFG be
found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG
contaminated area.

Windows: Drywall and any associated insulation should be removed two (2) feet
around all windows. The wall cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and dried
following current industry standards. Should additional water damage or VPFG be
found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG
contaminated area.

East Exterior Wall:

In the area where light water damage was noted on the ceiling; the drywall ceiling
should be removed two (2) feet from the edge of water damage radiating out in all
directions. The wall and ceiling cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and dried
following current industry standards. Should additional water damage or VPFG be
found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG
contaminated area.

Central Chase:

All vinyl wall coverings and drywall should be removed from floor to ceiling. This
includes any associated spray-on fire proofing as well as any other type of insulation.
The drywall ceiling should be removed two (2) feet from the edge of chase radiating
out in all directions. The wall and ceiling cavities should be thoroughly cleaned and
dried following current industry standards. Should additional water damage or VPFG
be found then continue removal two (2) feet from the edge of water damage or VPFG
contaminated area.

BAYPINESREGIONALVA
BUILDING46
ROOFASEMBLYANDLIGHTINGPROJECT
INDOORAIRQUALITYASSESSMENT
OHCPROJECTNO.:150074IA

4.0 SAMPLING METHODS

4.1

Thermal Comfort
Temperature and relative humidity measurements are often collected as part of an IAQ
investigation because they affect the perception of comfort in an indoor environment.
The American Society of Heating and Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc.
(ASHRAE) guidance standard 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy (ASHRAE 55) specifies conditions or a comfort zone in which 80% of
occupants would be expected to find the environment thermally acceptable the comfort
zone is determined by temperature and humidity, and assumes clothing worn by and
activity levels of occupants to be typical of those in office spaces. For the purposes of
this investigation, dry bulb temperature is assumed to be the same as operative
temperature described in ASHRAE 55. In addition, ASHRAE recommends that relative
humidity be maintained below 65% to inhibit fungal growth on building surfaces.
Thermal comfort conditions for temperature and relative humidity was taken from a
central area within the affected area using a TSI Q-Trak Model 7565x during the
assessment.

4.2 Biological Surface Samples

Surface samples were collected via tape lift, immediately sealed and labeled. All samples
were submitted under a signed Chain of Custody (COC) to EMSL, an American
Industrial Hygiene Accredited Laboratory in Environmental Microbiology.
4.3 Moisture Measurements
All moisture measurements were taken using a Tramex non-intrusive moisture meter.
0-14 is considered dry
14-18 is holding some moisture
18-30 is considered wet"

10

APPENDIX I
LABORATORY ANALYTICAL RESULTS

APPENDIX II
SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo #1: North skylight wall water damaged ceiling that

encompasses the structural beam

Photo #2: North skylight wall water damaged ceiling that

encompasses the structural beam

Photo #3: North skylight wall wet drywall and insulation

located below the raised floor around columns

Photo #4: Northeast corner skylight wall VPFG located

behind vinyl base molding

Photo #5: Northeast corner skylight wall VPFG located

behind vinyl base molding (close up of picture #4)

Photo #6: North skylight wall wet insulation associated with

columns behind drywall

Photo #7: North room skylight wall water damaged ceiling

that encompasses the structural beam

Photo #8: North room skylight wall water damaged ceiling

that encompasses the structural beam

Photo #9: North room skylight wall heavy rust on the

structural beam

Photo #10: North room skylight wall water damaged ceiling

that encompasses the structural beam

Photo #11: North room skylight wall VPFG and rust located
on drywall tape that fell from the area in picture 10.

Photo #12: North room skylight wall water staining on

blinds

10

Photo #13: Section of the west wall shows vinyl covered

columns

Photo #14: west wall columns VPFG located on the back

side

11

Photo #15: west wall VPFG located on the drywall behind the
vinyl base cove

Photo #16: west wall near southwest column water damage

to drywall ceiling that encompasses the structural beam

12

Photo #17: South wall signs of rodent activity located at the

base of the southwest column

Photo #18: South wall heavy water damage, deterioration

and VPFG on the window sill near the southeast corner

13

Photo #19: South wall southeast corner - water damaged

ceiling tile

Photo #20: South wall southeast corner below raised flooring

VPFG located on drywall

14

Photo #21: Large central chase heavy rust located on the

metal corner strips

Photo #22: Sky light connecting to wall

15

APPENDIX III
IR SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

16

IR Photo #1: Blue color indicates that the building materials

could be holding moisture

IR Photo #2: Blue color indicates that the building materials

could be holding moisture

17

IR Photo #3: Blue color indicates that the building

materials could be holding moisture

IR Photo #4: Blue color indicates that the building materials

could be holding moisture

18

IR Photo #5: Blue color indicates that the building

materials could be holding moisture

IR Photo #6: Blue color indicates that the building materials

could be holding moisture

19

IR Photo #7: Blue color indicates that the building

materials could be holding moisture

IR Photo #8: North wall ceiling near column

20

IR Photo #9: Blue color indicates that the building

materials could be holding moisture

21

APPENDIX IV
MOISTURE LOCATION MAP

22

23

APPENDIX V
CONSULTANT CREDENTIALS

24

25

26

27