Mold forces relocation of Edgewater police employees

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Mold forces relocation of Edgewater police employees

Daytona Beach News-Journal - Daytona Beach,FL*

By KELLY CUCULIANSKY

Staff Writer

http://www.news-

journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/EastVolusia/evlEAST05100908.

htm

EDGEWATER -- Several city employees relocated to other offices on

Wednesday after elevated mold levels were found in a Police

Department building.

Five staff members moved from the second floor of the Criminal

Investigation Division building after city officials reviewed a mold

analysis that indicated the presence of toxic fungi.

Lab tests show the presence of several fungi, including

stachybotrys, which can produce toxins that cause cold and flu-like

symptoms, skin inflammation, itching and burning sensations of the

eyes and nose, general malaise and suppression of the immune system.

Also present is penicillium/aspergillus, a fungus connected to

pulmonary disease and known to cause skin infections. Depending on

the strain, both fungi can produce cancer-causing toxins.

The roughly $900 test by All American Inspection Services was

prompted by visible mold, which was reported by an employee, said

Bill , interim police chief. The inspection noted water

damage likely from past hurricanes and high humidity inside the

walls. Additional tests will be scheduled for the ground floor.

said the possibility of health risks left him no choice,

other than to order a move.

" I'm not going to waiver on the potential of a health hazard to an

employee, " he said.

would not comment on whether employees have mentioned health

concerns. An officer contacted for this story declined to comment.

Interim City Manager Tracey Barlow said staff members have not

reported any mold-related symptoms to him, but he added that all

employees are arranging physician evaluations. Costs may likely be

filed under workers' compensation.

Officer Phil Niebieski is the only remaining employee in the

building. However, the evidence department supervisor works on the

ground floor, which is separated from the affected floor level by a

concrete slab. He said he has not seen any mold.

" I figured I've been in the building 13 years, so I'm waiting for

the air quality tests and then we'll go from there, " he said.

Last year, City Hall, the Community Center and the Development

Services Department offices were treated for abnormal levels of

fungi and bacteria. Employees, however, were not evacuated.

It is unclear how long the employees will be displaced. Affected

building material will need to be removed, treated by specialists

and replaced. The city is preparing to advertise for bids.

kelly.cuculiansky@...