Lawsuit threatened over courthouse mold

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Lawsuit threatened over courthouse mold

Sun-Sentinel.com - Fort Lauderdale,FL*

> Posted by Wyman

http://weblogs.sun-

sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/08/lawsuit_threatened_ov

er_courth.html

It's a green-blackish mold that thrives on moisture and can produce

toxins. A prominent lawyer claims it's now infested the Broward

County Courthouse so thoroughly that the building should be torn

down.

Two longtime courthouse workers, judicial aides Patti Buchholtz and

Sue Rentel, say they have already been so sickened that they have

trouble breathing and get frequent colds. Their attorney, former

state Sen. Skip , has written county commissioners

threatening to sue for negligence and violations of state building

standards.

The threat comes as commissioners and judicial officials debate

whether to move forward with plans to build a 10-courtroom addition

to the building. Commissioners hired a contractor this week to build

the wing, but Broward's chief judge is suggesting they delay the

work.

said the mold problems are too extensive for repair and

that the county should commit to building a new courthouse. He said

he would not only seek damages for his clients but a court order to

force the county to meet its obligations of providing a safe

courthouse.

" That building is a very sick building, and people who are going in

there are getting sick, " said. " This is a serious serious

problem, and they have had numerous opportunities to deal with this.

This is a necessity not a luxury like the Marlins stadium. "

In his letter to the county, complains of " dangerous indoor

air quality " and " contamination " in the 50-year-old building.

said toxicology experts tested two floors of the courthouse

for him last month and discovered hazardous mold. said

Buchholtz and Rentel work in those areas and have been diagnosed

with severe pulmonary problems.

County officials have six months to investigate 's

allegation before he is allowed to sue under state law. County

Attorney Jeff Newton said the county will conduct its own air tests

as part of its examination.

According to county documents, officials have conducted 20

environmental surveys since February when a backed-up sewer pipe

caused major flooding and closed down the courthouse. The documents

state that those tests revealed no problems but did recommend

replacing carpeting and ceiling tiles as well as better ventilation.

Mayor Lois Wexler said the county must take 's threat

seriously and ensure conditions in the courthouse are in line with

national health standards.

" I need a comfort level that we are doing our due diligence in the

preventive maintenance area and are addressing air quality issues, "

Wexler said.

brought in Lipsey, a ville toxicologist with

more than 30 years experience representing major business,

government and individuals. said the form of mold that

Lipsey found is Stachybotrys fungi.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, it is a less common

form of mold and can produce toxins. The CDC's web site said mold

exposure does not always cause health problems but can lead to

severe reactions for some, including fever and shortness of breath.

Complaints about mold have been among numerous issues plaguing the

overcrowded courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Used by 10,000

visitors a week, the courthouse has an elevator system that

frequently breaks and overburdened air conditioning, plumbing and

electrical systems.

Voters rejected a ballot initiative in 2006 to borrow $450 million

to improve Broward's court system. In March 2007, commissioners

agreed, though, to move forward with a 10-courtroom addition between

the existing east and north wings.

Commissioners hired A. Cummings Inc. this week for that

project. Wexler said 's threat could be reason to expedite

the work, but Chief Judge Victor Tobin is asking them to delay.

Tobin said in a letter to commissioners that the addition would

exacerbate parking problems and that repairs to the current building

should take priority. He and commissioners plan to sit down Aug. 19

to discuss courthouse plans.

To read 's letter, click here. Download file

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