Texas State Technical College - Peacock Construction Co responsible for mold

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http://www.reporternews.com/2001/texas/mold0610.html

Sunday, June 10, 2001

Construction company responsible for mold, suit says

HARLINGEN, Texas (AP) - Students and workers at Texas State Technical

College are suing a construction company they say is responsible for mold

contamination at the college.

Sixteen individuals have filed the suit against Peacock Construction Co.,

alleging health problems as a result of shoddy construction.

" We allege that there is a defective design, construction and maintenance of

the heating and cooling ventilation system, " Harlingen attorney

Kiesel said. " A certain level of moisture is present in there all the time

that has caused mold and mildew to grow and flourish. That's what's making

these people sick. "

The lawsuit states the college's " environment has been contaminated with

pollution, mold, mildew, bacteria, fungus, and/or other toxic materials,

some of which have not yet been identified, which was caused by negligent

construction ... "

Student is one of the students who is included in the suit

against Peacock Construction Co.

She said she's become ill since attending classes in the mold-infested

classrooms.

" I want an apology to the students, I want the school to take the proper

measure to clean the mold, I want medical expenses, " told the

(Harlingen) Valley Morning Star. " They're not taking our health seriously. "

Neither Peacock Construction Co. nor TSTC officials were reached for comment

by the newspaper Friday afternoon.

A private consultant TSTC hired found sufficient quantities of mold to cause

students, staff and faculty members to become ill. The consultant was hired

after a Texas Health Department study came to the same conclusion.

The school could be included in the lawsuit at a future date, Kiesel said.