Re cap of Events: February 8, Dear St. James Elementary Parents,

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1 February 8, 2019 Dear St. James Elementary Parents, After receiving numerous calls and s throughout the week, we hope the below information will assist in answering many of your questions and concerns regarding the recent air quality testing and remediation efforts. After you have read through the documents this weekend, if you have additional questions or more specific questions related to your individual child, please Principal Felisa McDavid at Sending us your questions will be the most effective and efficient method for identifying any additional information which may need to be shared by St. James Elementary School or District staff with our school parents. The health and safety of our students and staff is our first and foremost priority and will remain such with all decision making. Daryl Brown HCS Chief Officer for Support Services Re cap of Events: Concerns were raised by staff and parents after an original air quality assessment was performed. As a result of the testing, District staff completed the recommended HVAC maintenance and cleaning (HEPA scrubbers) for two classrooms beginning on January 9, St. James Elementary staff notified the parents of the students who were in those two classrooms about the work, and the need to temporarily relocate those classrooms for several days to allow the work to be performed without disruption to instruction. An additional and more extensive air quality test was then performed on Monday, January 21, 2019, by Palmetto EHS, LLC, an environmental, health and safety consulting firm with whom the District had contracted. Palmetto EHS, LLC, was also the firm that conducted the original air quality test. Testing included all classrooms, multipurpose rooms, offices, gymnasium, cafeteria, media center (library), and portable classrooms. A school wide parent was sent on January 11, 2019, by Principal McDavid regarding the additional testing and the areas to be tested. Another follow up parent was sent by Principal McDavid on January 16, 2019, after HCS received the results and recommendations regarding the air quality test. Recommendations were issued by Palmetto EHS, LLC, for 23 areas within the school to be cleaned per industry standards. Various degrees of cleaning for each specific area/room was detailed in the recommendations report. Some cleaning was conducted by HCS maintenance and areas identified by Palmetto EHS, LLC, as having some amplification were cleaned by Full Steam Ahead (FSA) on Saturday, February 2, 2019, and Sunday, February 3, These amplified areas cleaned by FSA included 23 areas (P100, P102, P103, P105, P107, P109, P114, P118, E100, K102, M104, A105, A106, A107, A109, A110, A111), the media center, reading room, gym, and three portable classrooms (197, 220, 286). FSA also cleaned rugs in 10 areas (Rooms E100, K120, P107, P109, P114, P118, Portable 197, Portable 286, media center and reading room) and carpets in seven areas (Rooms

2 P100, A105, A106, A107, A110, A111, and the front lobby). The recommendations report also stated that certain HVAC filters needed to be changed and that was completed by Tri Dim Filter Corporation. HCS maintenance replaced ceiling tiles, performed additional follow up cleaning, and replaced several cork bulletin boards throughout this week. When staff and students returned to the school on Monday, February 4, 2019, a strong odor was detected in several areas of the school, which stemmed from air freshener blocks that were placed in some of the HVAC supply diffusers after the cleaning was completed. The air fresheners were removed that morning. How was the air quality test performed and what mold types were amplified in the school? Palmetto EHS, LLC, performed air sampling indoors and outdoors for comparison. A full copy of the 55 page Air Quality Report, submitted on January 29, 2019, is attached. Testing results showed that some areas had slight amplification, and some areas were more amplified, but not amplified to the point where it is a health concern. Also attached is the full 13 page Air Quality Report, submitted on December 4, 2018, by Palmetto EHS, LLC. What likely caused the mold amplification in some areas of the school? The presence of mold means there is too much moisture. Moisture problems can be caused by: high humidity leaking roofs or windows plumbing leaks flooding condensation due to poor ventilation or insulation The primary source that has been identified (and fixed) were roof leaks and wall penetrations of moisture, likely due to driving rains of Hurricane Florence along with a deluge of rain. What cleaning agents were used during the cleaning process? Hard surfaces, air return vents, and HVAC supply diffusers were cleaned with Microban Disinfectant Spray Plus & Bioesque Botanical Disinfectant Solutions. Air scrubbers with 3 stage HEPA filters were used throughout the cleaning process to minimize dust and airborne particles. Rugs and carpets were professionally cleaned with Biobreak CC18 or Flex Powder (pre spray), OdoBan Disinfectant (in the cleaning solution), Power Point CC26 (carpet extraction rinse agent), and Microban Disinfectant (overspray). OdorX Bad Odor Block Lemon Lime air fresheners were placed in several HVAC supply diffusers. All work as specified by Palmetto EHS, LLC, was completed as per acceptable industry standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) guidelines.

3 What is mold? Mold is a multi cellular fungus, similar to mushrooms and yeast. Mold can be different colors, and look fuzzy, slimy, or powdery. Molds are present everywhere indoors and outdoors. In fact, there are more than 100,000 species of mold. Mold spores are in the air naturally and attach to any place that is damp, where they can begin growing immediately. Mold requires three things to grow: water/moisture, organic food source (paper, fabric, sheetrock, etc.), and proper temperature. The presence of mold means there is too much moisture. Moisture problems can be caused by: high humidity leaking roofs or windows plumbing leaks flooding condensation due to poor ventilation or insulation It is impossible to mold proof your house or business. However, you can manage mold growth by controlling indoor humidity levels and repairing any water leakage problems. To prevent mold from coming back in the future, you must fix the underlying source of moisture. Mold Guidelines/Regulations Currently, there are no federal or state laws/regulations or standards concerning mold associated with indoor air quality at this time. Also, state and federal agencies do not test, monitor, or inspect for mold in homes or public buildings. However, there are recognized guidelines for mold remediation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the New York City Department of Health Bureau of Environmental & Occupational Disease Epidemiology, which were followed by Horry County Schools. Additionally, indoor air quality guidelines have been suggested for remedial decision making by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH). Some of these guidelines focus on indoor to the outdoor comparison, and evaluation of fungal types. The interpretation of the results normally relies upon the professional conduction the assessment. Airborne microorganisms are ubiquitous; the presence of microorganisms is of undue concern unless they are of a significant concentration or the predominant types found indoors differ from those found outdoors. When indoor levels are elevated in relation to outdoor concentrations, they are considered to be amplified. Therefore, indoor environmental conditions are such that their growth is facilitated. In general, amplification of microorganisms is present when the fungi or bacteria concentration in the air substantially exceeds the outdoor air. Exposure to excessive amounts of some common microorganisms can result in allergic or respiratory irritation in some susceptible individuals.

4 What s Next? The District has begun the procurement process of hiring an engineer to further look into efflorescence which was identified on the interior side of some of the exterior concrete walls. Palmetto EHS, LLC, did swab the efflorescence, which tested negative for mold spores. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit that occurs when water leaves behind salt deposits which are present on or in the masonry surface; this also does not present a health concern. It has a white or greyish tint and is left behind when water evaporates. Monitoring and additional follow up cleaning will continue as well as routine custodial practices. Several HEPA air scrubbers will be placed back in the school over the weekend, beginning late Friday afternoon on February 8, HCS Facilities will continue to work with school administration on expediting work orders as they are submitted. We are also reviewing our best practices to see where we can eliminate future problems regarding cleaning, items in classrooms, temperature settings, etc. An emphasis will also be placed on proper building and HVAC system maintenance and prompt repair of water damaged areas when detected, all of which are keys to preventing and stopping indoor mold growth by controlling excessive moisture and condensation. HCS has scheduled the air quality re test to be perfomed on Sunday, February 10, 2019, by Palmetto EHS, LLC. We anticipate receiving feedback within 7 10 calendar days, and if necessary, have developed an action plan. This information, along with the full report, will be shared with parents and staff. If additional recommendations are reported, HCS will once again expedite remediation efforts. Health Concerns HCS understands the health concerns that both students, parents, and staff may have regarding this issue. The health and safety of our students and staff are our utmost priority, and we are working with professionals to minimize any potential risks. While the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) does not investigate mold concerns, HCS has been in touch with SCDHEC on January 16, 2019, and February 6, In addition, representatives of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) visited the school on January 16, 2019, and January 17, 2019, and no citations were issued. We know there is wide variability in how people are affected by airborne mold spore exposure. Currently, there is no established airborne concentration that is known to adversely affect an individual s health, but people s reactions can vary based on their sensitivities or weakened immune systems. Symptoms that may seem to occur from mold exposure may also be due to other causes such as bacterial or viral infections or other allergies. Attendance and Makeup Work Information Students are expected to be in school on a regular basis to achieve specific curriculum objectives and develop concepts adopted by the District. They will be required to make up all work missed. Instructional personnel will provide information on assignments, provide help, and permit the completion of work missed due to absences.

5 Lawful absences include illnesses that are verified by documentation from a physician. The documentation must be submitted to the school s attendance office within 3 days of the student s return to school. The medical documentation must specify the dates missed due to illness. Rumors and Misinformation Testing results did NOT find Black Mold (Stachybotrys chartarum) present or amplified in the school by Palmetto EHS, LLC. o The news media and some contractors often refer to black mold or toxic black mold. It is usually associated with Stachybotrys chartarum, a type of greenish black mold commonly associated with heavy water damage. The below photo of St. James Elementary is being circulated on social media, which stemmed from a roof leak due to Hurricane Florence. The roof and wall damage was repaired in October _.

6 Below is a current photo of the same location since the repair was done in October 2018.