Local DJ leaves radio citing mold at station

[Guest guest]

Local DJ leaves radio citing mold at station

Originally published March 12, 2008

Frederick News Post - Frederick,MD*

By Ed Waters Jr.

News-Post Staff

http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?

StoryID=72337

A local radio personality left the airwaves and filed a claim with

the land Workers' Compensation Commission citing health problems

caused by working at the station.

West, who was an on-air WFRE personality for 16 years,

resigned last week, citing health issues brought on by indoor toxins

at the station, according to a statement from her attorney.

" My doctor advised me that in order to become healthy, either my

work conditions had to improve or I had to find a new job, " West

said in a statement released Tuesday.

" After much soul searching, I believe that I was left with no choice

but to leave WFRE and look for a new position once my health

improves,' " West said.

A message left Tuesday morning with WFRE general manager Doug

Hillard was not returned in time for a comment in this story.

The station, at 5966 Grove Hill Road, is a 3,922-square-foot

structure built in 1969, according to the land Department of

Assessments and Taxation. The building is owned by Capstar Radio

Operating Co.

West's attorney, Lanier of the law office of Nicholl in

Baltimore, said the radio station and its insurance company have

time to respond to the claim.

" It is generally considered 30 days, " Lanier said, but that doesn't

necessarily correspond to the precise date of the filing.

Lanier said he had not received the claim confirmation from the

Workers Compensation Commission and did not have a case number. His

law firm represents cases involving mold and indoor toxins at

workplaces.

" I don't want to comment specifically on the Workers' Compensation

case until the station and its insurance company have responses to

the claim, " Lanier said.

In Lanier's statement, he said " recent testing revealed that toxic

mold is present in different parts of the WFRE building. "

West headed the " Wild West Morning Crew " playing country music and

providing news to listeners in the area. She won awards as top radio

personality on several occasions.

Contacted Tuesday, West said she couldn't comment on the filing or

her resignation from the station. She referred all comments to

Lanier.