Video - Lowe's investigates Sevierville employee's mold complaint

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Lowe's investigates Sevierville employee's mold complaint

WATE.com - Knoxville,TN

By AMELIA DANIELS

6 News Reporter

http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=6367874 & nav=0RYv

SEVIERVILLE (WATE) -- The Lowe's home improvement chain is looking

into employee complaints of mold at its store in Sevierville.

Employees from the Lowe's store #693 contacted 6 News concerned

about a potential health hazard.

A spokesperson from Lowe's assures 6 News it takes the safety and

well-being of its employees and customers very seriously.

And in response to the allegations by one employee, that management

is not doing anything about the mold complaint, a spokesperson

says, " While we cannot comment on personnel issues, we have been

evaluating this issue ourselves since it was brought to our

attention. "

works at the Lowe's store. " To me, it's playing Russian

roulette with people's health, especially with the pregnant women in

the store. I don't think it's fair to the customers, and it's not

fair for us employees. "

says she believes there's a mold problem in the air

conditioning unit that's making people sick. " Some of these

employees...one in particular, he's scarred very bad from it. "

The employee is referring to talked to 6 News off-camera. Out

of fear of losing his job, he didn't want us to use his name, but

says it's a real concern. He's under the care of a Knoxville doctor

who's treating him for a rash on his hands and arms.

says, " I've seen it so bad. It's worse than poison ivy. "

While is upset by the potential health hazard, she is more

disappointed in the way she says management is handling the

situation.

" My understanding was, they said 'If you don't like the environment

where you work at, you need to find another job.' This is not right

by human resources, there at Lowe's, " says.

" They should be looking out for Lowe's and their employees, too, "

adds.

In hopes of bringing about change, is filing a complaint with

TOSHA. " I'm willing to risk my job to see that these people, you

know, have a better environment to work in. "

Representatives from Lowe's also told 6 News they changed the air

filters at the Sevierville store as recently as April 3.

But they say, " As a precautionary measure, they will test and clean

the grills in their air circulation system as soon as possible,

conducting tests and taking whatever precautionary measures are

necessary to ensure the health and well-being of employees and

customers. "