California Correctional Officers Say Black Mold is Making Them Sick

Summary

Mold was found in the Federal Correctional Institution in Mendota California. A correctional officer filed a complaint protesting that toxic mold was making some of the guards sick.

The American Federation of Government Employees local president spoke to the press. He said that mold in the sub floor was likely causing ‘sick building syndrome‘. But officers found black mold under baseboards. The mold tested positive for Stachybotrys, a toxic mold associated with severe respiratory symptoms. The local president also filed a complaint with an independent federal investigative agency.

The warden’s office said efforts to keep mold from growing and to removed moldy material are underway. But the union president says more work is needed. He feels that the institution is participating in a cover up. His office filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.

Security guards denied the Fresno Bee a tour of the control room.

This article was written by Kate Irby for The Sacramento Bee.

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Author: Carolyn Willbanks