ee detectives allege mold is hurting their health

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ee detectives allege mold is hurting their health

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BY ANN KELLEY

Published: June 5, 2009

NewsOK.com - Oklahoma City,OK,USA

http://newsok.com/shawnee-detectives-allege-mold-is-hurting-their-health/article\

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SHAWNEE —Two ee police detectives claim mold in their basement office in

City Hall is releasing a toxin that's detrimental to city employees' health.

Detective Tony Grasso said bringing the problem to the forefront could cost the

two their jobs. About two weeks ago, Grasso was ordered to stay out of the

building after he gave his supervisors a doctor's report warning him the toxins

could kill him, he said.

Grasso said other employees are showing symptoms of toxic mold poisoning, but

are afraid to come forward because they think it will put their employment in

jeopardy.

Matt Love, attorney for the city, said ee's City Hall has been tested and

no dangerous levels of toxins were found. The state Labor Department also

inspected and cleared the area without recommending remediation.

Love said the detectives paid for a separate study that conflicts with the

city's study.

" We're not trying to hide anything, " Love said. " We just haven't found anything

to substantiate their claims. "

Last year, Kent Borcherding, an 18-year department veteran, was relieved from

duty after alleging mold toxins in the building made him sick.

He sued the city, asking he be allowed to return to work in a mold-free area.

According to the lawsuit, Borcherding in 2006 began having severe headaches and

sinus problems, and was later hospitalized. Doctors reportedly discovered a

poisonous level of toxins in his system.

After a major water leak in 2006, Grasso said detectives noticed mold on the

ceiling tiles in an office they share. The detectives hired Environmental

Diagnostic Group Inc. of Madison, Wis., to test the tiles and the company

reported they were being exposed to toxins.

In April, a skin biopsy showed Grasso was exposed to the same toxin as

Borcherding. Four other employees also tested positive, Grasso wrote in a May 13

letter to the city.

Love said Grasso and Borcherding have not been terminated, but ordered to stay

out of the building since they contend it's a health hazard.

Grasso's attorney, Brad West, said he's hoping to meet with city officials and

resolve the case.