[Publib] Unexplained Odor

[Tara Caldara]

Since I know that many strange things happen in public libraries, I
thought I would query the list to see if anyone has experienced a
problem we've encountered recently.
 
On Monday, a strong, chemical-type odor began emitting from the men's
public bathroom around 5:00 p.m.  It continued to get stronger and staff
called the fire department around 6:00 p.m.  They tested the air and
said it was nothing dangerous.  The same odor was discovered in the
boy's bathroom, which is in a room, on the wall behind the men's.
 
Since that time, the men's room has cleared and no odor is detectable.
The boy's bathroom, however, is still awful.  The boy's room is a
one-room restroom, whereas the men's room is many stalls.
 
We had the plumber out to check the drains, piping, etc.  He said it
definitely was not a urine or sewer smell.  He also felt that if it was
in the shared piping or drain, it would have occurred in the girl's and
women's restrooms as well, which are located directly next to the
problem restrooms.
 
Our custodian cleaned the entire boy's bathroom and the odor persists,
so strongly in fact, that it gave him a sudden, but short headache this
morning, when he spend about 5 minutes in there.
 
We checked all of the locked tissue holders, the soap dispenser, venting
(which is working), changing station, etc.  We contacted our cleaning
company, who reported that they have not used any new cleaners.  They
suggested that the heavy snowfall over the weekend and subsequent
melting on Monday could have caused an odor, but we don't see how.  The
vents are on the roof, but the custodian made sure they were cleared on
Tuesday morning.
 
Some describe it as a cat-urine, ammonia smell.  Most of us, think it is
chemical.  
 
Any ideas?
 
Tara Caldara
Administrative Services Coordinator
Zion-Benton Public Library District
2400 Gabriel Ave., Zion, IL 60099
847-872-4680, ext. 109
www.zblibrary.org
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