How much proof do I need

[Guest guest]

How do you prove sick building syndrome?

I know I needed to be sure that it was the molds from the building

I work in, that were making me sick. There are 4 people who work on

the side of the building where it is contaminated with mold. I had

not been on the job long (maybe 2 weeks and that was around May of

2001) when I noticed this strong musty odor. I looked up at the

ceiling and noticed the damage tiles and water spots. Human

Resources Manager came over and discovered the problem too, so he

took pictures. It was a problem started by the HVAC air conditioning

ducts. *I have copies of these pictures. E-mails were sent by me

to the Human Resource Manager, City Manager & others regarding this

situation, so they were aware. *I kept these e-mails and their

promises to fix it, but to this date never have. An air quality

control company came in 2 different times to run tests. Both tests

concludes there are 3 types of mold - aspergillus, penicillium &

cladosporum (heavy contents in each area).

*I have obtained copies of these tests reports, along with comments

of how unsafe this mold is.

Since I was ill with severe allergy problems, headaches, nausea,

fatigue, plus the fact that my arms were broke out and parts of neck,

I went to my general physician and showed her the mold report. She

would not conclude that it was the mold since she was not a

specialist, but definately agreed that I was having a high allergic

reaction to something. Next step was the Allergen Specialist. He ran

tests, which included tests for reactions to different molds. After

seeing the breakout of my arms and my condition, advised me that I do

not need to be in this building. *Took picture of my arms, now left

with scars. *Doctor has agreed to write me a letter stating I am

highly allergic to these molds that were found in our building. I

applied for workman's comp and was denied twice.

I have been keeping in touch with the two other people that are

sick with similar symptoms and they are ready to start a workman's

comp claim and sue if necessary. Found out today that arrangements

that had been made to move us out into a trailer, has now been

rejected.

I know what I will end up having to do--find another job.

All of us that have been affected are sticking together on this

problem. If I leave this job, everyone will understand why.