News : Local Last Updated: Feb 4, 2010 - 5:52:14 PM


Warren County Commission Criticized For Mold Killing Measures
By Bob Hudson
Feb 4, 2010 - 5:50:46 PM

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Last week's meeting of the Warren County Commission was a fairly crowded one, as numerous departments in the Warren County Courthouse had members in attendance, who worry about their health, and what the commission plans to do about it. In particular, these county employees are mad and want to know why the courthouse wasn’t evacuated when the decision was made to spray a mold cleaner into the ventilation system while they were at their desks last month.

 

Many feel this put their health at risk. Numerous county employees feel that the commission should be held accountable and argued that their concerns weren't being addressed in a timely manner. The courthouse workers want a written apology from the commission for not warning them that they were going to be exposed to the toxic mold cleaner Sporicidin. They also want an apology from Northern Commissioner Dan Hampson, and they also want to know that any future health needs related to the exposure of mold or Sporicidin will be met by the county. Warren County Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage defends the county's decision to spray with Sporicidin. He said it made sense to treat for the possibility of mold on January 15th than wait a couple of weeks to schedule moisture tests.

Mold had been a concern ever since a water leak was discovered on January 5th in the building’s heating system, which is located on the roof above the County Clerks office. On January 12th, Servepro conducted tests of the moisture in the ceilings and ventilation system, and Hampson decided to treat these areas with Sporicidin on January 15th. But when the cleaner was sprayed into the ventilation system, employees rushed from the building, because the fumes left them “gasping for air.” Employees believe the mold cleaner led to health issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. Later that day, Hampson let the clerks know that they were breathing Sporicidin and handed out copies of a safety data sheet provided by Servepro. According to it, inhaling Sporicidin can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and stinging sensations in the eyes, nose and throat. If the symptoms persist, the safety manual advised individuals to get fresh air. The county's workers' compensation agency has been contacted regarding the incident.



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