Quarterly Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessments and Mold Surveillance Program

Program Overview & Coordination

Barnstable Public Schools and EnviroMed Services have discussed and established a seasonal/quarterly indoor air quality (IAQ) and mold surveillance approach as part of the District's ongoing commitment to healthy learning environments. 

These Quarterly Assessments allow indoor conditions to be reviewed at different times of the year, when factors such as occupancy, ventilation patterns, and seasonal changes can influence building performance. This approach supports: 

• Proactive building oversight

• Trend tracking over time

• Early awareness of changing indoor conditions 

• Informed facilities and operational decision-making. 

This program works in conjunction with the Facilities and Safety Team's ongoing review of building conditions. Facilities staff routinely evaluated incoming facilities tickets, operational observations, and building-related concerns throughout the year. When additional evaluation or verification is warranted, Facilities coordinates directly with EnviroMed to perform isolated walkthroughs, testing, or follow-up assessments, as appropriate. 

Together, this coordinated approach supports routine monitoring and proactive evaluation of indoor conditions, reflecting Barnstable Public School's continuous commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and well-managed learning environments year-round. 

October 2025 Quarterly Assessment Summary

A Quarterly Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Assessment and Mold Surveillance was conducted in October 2025 at all nine (9) schools within the Barnstable Public Schools district.

The assessment included walkthrough evaluations of each building and real-time air monitoring to review current indoor conditions in comparison to widely recognized indoor air quality guidelines established by OSHA and ASHRAE.

Overall findings confirmed that indoor air quality conditions at all schools were acceptable and that each building is safe and appropriate for normal occupancy. Results also reflected positively on ongoing building maintenance and operations.

During the assessment, elevated carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels were observed in select areas, which is common in occupied spaces. All measured levels remained within safe limits and did not indicate any health, safety, or occupancy concerns. 

As part of the quarterly walkthroughs, buildings were also reviewed for signs of mold or conditions that could support mold growth. No areas of concern were identified during this assessment.

Key: Acronyms & Abbreviations Used in This Presentation:

• ASHRAE – American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

• OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration

• IAQ – Indoor Air Quality

Parameters and Measurements used to evaluate Indoor Environmental Conditions:

• Temp – Temperature (measured in degrees Fahrenheit, °F)

• RH – Relative Humidity

• CO – Carbon Monoxide

• CO₂ – Carbon Dioxide

• VOC – Volatile Organic Compounds

• CH₂O – Formaldehyde

• PM₂.₅ – Particulate Matter (often referred to as particulate pollution, such as dust, dirt, or soot)

• ppm – Parts per million

• µg/m³ – Micrograms per cubic meter