Guest guest Posted August 25, 2005 Report Share Posted August 25, 2005 Courthouse undergoes mold tests after mishap By Matt The Register-Guard Published: Thursday, August 25, 2005 http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/08/25/d1.cr.courthousemold.082 5.p1.php?section=cityregion Experts are testing for mold and bacteria in the Lane County Courthouse after a fire-sprinkler drill that went awry two weeks ago, soaking portions of three floors and disrupting court operations, a county manager said Wednesday. A number of courthouse employees have complained of headaches since the incident, but officials haven't confirmed whether the building mishap is the reason for them, said Suchart, the county's management services director. Water damage can cause mold, a fungus that grows on deteriorated materials and can cause allergic reactions and other health problems for susceptible individuals. advertisement Suchart said test results - expected in the coming days - should help determine whether mold is the cause of health complaints in the 47-year-old building. In the past 10 years, he could recall only one problem with mold, and it was eliminated, he said. " The testing results will tell me what may or may not be wrong with the air or the building materials, " Suchart said. Experts are testing for all types of bacteria and mold in the air and in any material that may have been penetrated by water. Employees who feel ill should contact a doctor and identify the cause of the problem, he added. When the county tests fire sprink- lers in the courthouse, 125 E. Eighth Ave., the water is directed to overflow valves on the roof to keep building interiors and employees dry. Water normally drains to gutters, but during the test Aug. 12, water flowing toward the drains went through a 6-by-8-inch hole that had been cut for an antenna. Suchart didn't have a cost estimate for the incident Wednesday, but Court Administrator Factor described the extent of the damage: Water seeped into the second, third and fourth floors of the northeast corner of the courthouse, collecting in Judge Lyle Velure's chambers, as well as staff areas, jury rooms and hallways, he said. Employees have complained of odors, headaches and " bloodshot, watery eyes, " Factor said. Velure's courtroom has been closed and the noise of drying equipment is a nuisance in a building that stays busy even during summer when some employees are on vacation, Factor said. In 2001, after Commissioner Weeldreyer reported feeling ill, air-quality tests were done at nine locations throughout the county office complex, which is part of the same building that houses the courthouse. The tests did not show abnormally high levels of spores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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