Mold found in Navy hospital air ducts

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Mold found in Navy hospital air ducts

San Mercury News - San ,CA

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_5524276

SAN DIEGO- The Navy is rebuilding the heating and air conditioning

system at the Naval Medical Center San Diego after finding mold

growing inside ventilation ducts.

About a dozen types of mold were discovered in the ducts during a

routine inspection last spring, according to Capt. Tam, the

hospital's deputy commander.

Tam said the hospital's mold levels are lower than in outdoor air.

Officials took action after spotting the mold in the ventilation

system, which can spread spores throughout the building, Tam said.

Replacement of the system began in October and is expected to be

completed next month at a cost of $9 million.

Some molds can cause allergies and irritation, said Rick Kreutzer,

chief of environmental health for the investigative branch of the

California Department of Health Services.

Others can lead to life-threatening infections in certain patients

with lowered immune systems.

Tam said no illnesses have resulted from the mold.

He said Balboa remains " a safe environment for patients. "

Information from: The San Diego Union-Tribune,

http://www.signonsandiego.com