AIR QUALITY INSPECTION

Transcription

1 Certified Inspector CRI #: VA DPOR License #: NC State License #: 3333 BBB A+ Rating 28 Paula Maria Drive Newport News, VA (757) va.com AIR QUALITY INSPECTION Date: ATTN: Leslie Kwiackowski Address: 681 Antrim Dr. Newport News, VA Building: One story Apartment, Middle Unit, Facing South Weather: Cloudy Temperature: 87.3 Degrees Humidity: 69.1 % An inspection on was performed on the above property and the following are the results:

2 Physical Inspection The interior of the unit is clean. Flooring is carpet and walls are smooth and clean No visual signs of mold on the surfaces or water influx from the exterior The interior of the return to the HVAC system is extremely dirty from what appears to be years of non cleaning of the system. The brick box is a material that holds onto moisture and can easily breed Mold

3 The return duct box was improperly designed when the complex was built, where the unit is sucking outside air into the breathing air. The interior of the HVAC locked shed can be seen from inside the unit. The return air is able to suck insulation into the breathing air from inside the exposed walls. This will also cause major health and lung issues for the tenants All of this debris and insulation is bypassing the filter system due to the filter being located before all of the unwanted substances.

4 The HVAC unit is where the tenant cannot inspect or have cleaned themselves. The location is in a locked shed, where the tenant cannot access to control their own air flow and cleanliness. There is a wall vent in the side of the shed where outside air is entering. The area directly adjacent to the shed is very wet / musty and over grown with plant life This allows the system to suck in substances and air that will breed mold and other airborne particles that are bad for the immune system The HVAC systems are the main delivery paths for poor air quality The tenants air quality from the HVAC system, is in the sole hands of the owners of the property, not the tenants. The supply ducts are also dirty from what can be seen from the supply grates.

5 The HVAC condensate drain pipe has a gooey, white substance coming out of it. The condensate water and this substance is directly connected to the units breathing air. When the primary drain gets clogged, then the musty condensate water will drain inside the return box of the unit. The tenant is unable to know if this is happening and the air will become compromised immediately. Large unknown amount of time can pass with the tenants breathing poor air quality. Air samples were taken inside the kitchen area of the unit and one in the back for exterior comparison. The following are the results: Lab Results Aspergillus Penicillium Exterior : Raw Count 1 Count / M3 40 % of Total 3.8% Interior: Raw Count 1,800 Count / M3 72,000 % of Total 99% Health Effects: This group contains common allergens and many can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. They may cause extrinsic asthma, and many are opportunistic pathogens. Many species produce mycotoxins which may be associated with disease in humans and other animals. Toxin production is dependent on the species, the food source, competition with other organisms, and other environmental conditions.

6 Conclusion: The interior of this unit has very poor air quality. The raised counts are Aspergillus Penicillium and one of five types of so called Mold that are known to be toxic to certain immune systems. A normal high count is around 2,000 m/3, but 72,000 is extremely concerning and very abnormal for any living facility. The physical issues that have been documented above, have been this way for a long time and probably since the HVAC system was replaced That was when the opening in the exterior wall was expanded for the new unit and that is when the toxic air was able to infiltrate the interior. Recommendation: 1. Recommend leaving the property ASAP until the air can be deemed free of all toxins. This will take extensive remediation from a licensed professional, and retesting. 2. Recommend having the bedding and cloths professionally cleaned. 3. The is deemed a health hazard and anyone entering the unit should take safety measures which include respirators and proper clothing. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. Thank you, Floyd Gibbs Owner/ Certified Master Inspector Class A License #: A