From: LESLIE JOHNSTON

To: Huffman, Charlotte

Subject: FW: Nichols Jr. High Update
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2017 4:19:24 PM
Attachments: Nichols - HVAC Report B6-4432-2ScanRpt(1).pdf

This is what the Nichols staff received yesterday.

Leslie Johnston
Director of Communications
Arlington ISD
1203 W. Pioneer Pkwy.
Arlington, TX 76013
682-867-7201
Fax: 682-867-4681

Good afternoon. Attached is the first of two reports expected from Armstrong Forensics on
their assessment of indoor air quality at Nichols Jr. High. The report details Armstrongs
conclusions and recommendations from their assessment of the HVAC systems at Nichols.

Following is a summary of Armstrongs conclusions:

The presence of the distinctive dirty sock odor is likely the cause of isolated
indoor air quality issues and reported signs and symptoms in the Main Office
Area, Main Hallway and Entrance. The report explains that dirty sock
syndrome is a phrase used by the HVAC industry to describe a foul odor
produced by HVAC units. The odor is not reported to be a health risk, but is
unpleasant and may lead to a general feeling of discomfort. The cause of dirty
sock odor is not known, but insufficient natural fresh air input is one explanation
for the smell. Armstrong concludes that insufficient fresh air input may
contribute to the smell in the office area at Nichols.
Several air handler units were sampled for viable (culturable) mold. Two
primary types of mold were identified in samples taken by Armstrong. Neither
type is pathogenic. The report states that the molds may be allergenic and may
cause allergenic type responses in some individuals. It further states, The
results of the surface samples collected established no significant mold growth
at elevated temperature and therefore a low probability of invasive pathogenic
mold activity.
Possible solutions identified by Armstrong include:

Increase the fresh air make-up to dilute and remove a larger amount the
recirculated air. (AISD note: an air-balancing engineering firm has begun their
analysis of Nichols HVAC system, and the firm is expected to begin making
appropriate adjustments to the system the week of January 30th - likely over the
upcoming weekend).
Clean the coils. (AISD note: Plant Services has completed a comprehensive
cleaning of coils since Winter Break, including cutting into closed duct work to
clean coils in the heating system. Coils in units serving the areas with highest
number of complaints have been cleaned multiple times since last fall.
 Armstrong Forensics will re-examine the coils and report whether the cleaning
was effective.)
Install an UVC or UVGI light system. (AISD note: The recommendation is to
place ultraviolet lights inside particular air-handling units to kill mold that might
form on coils. Plant Services will evaluate this recommendation with Armstrong
and with a mechanical engineering firm.)
Armstrongs report on the Nichols HVAC system has been provided to Tarrant County
Public Health for their consideration, along with the Google Forms submitted
byNichols staff memberssince our November faculty meeting.

The report summarizing data logging by Armstrong is forthcoming. We will share that
report with you and your staff upon receipt. We will also share itwith Tarrant County
Public Health and the air-balancing engineering firm.

Let me know if you have any questions about the Armstrong report or actions
beingtaken relative to the report.

Cindy Powell, CPA

Chief Financial Officer
Arlington Independent School District
1203 W. Pioneer Parkway
Arlington, TX 76013
Office: (682) 867-7243