Case Study: Mold Contamination in the Workplace, and Associated Adverse Health Outcomes

BACKGROUND:   In September of 2013, employees at a local Justice Complex indicated experiencing multiple symptoms such as upper respiratory irritation, itchy eyes, headaches, rashes, and sore throat during work hours. Employees were concerned these symptoms were associated with possible mold in the building. Inspection of the facility confirmed severe mold contamination in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system’s (HVAC) air handler units. The mold was related to maintenance issues of the units and periodic flooding that occurred over the past five years in the Justice Complex. Mold is a known asthma trigger and the presence of mold in the work environment has become a frequently reported cause of Work-Related Asthma (WRA).

METHODS:   In response to the potential cases of WRA reported at the local Justice Complex, a questionnaire was developed, and administered on-site to the building occupants over a three-day period. The survey collected information on exposure to mold, symptoms experienced by the occupants, asthma history, medications used, and basic demographics. To confirm WRA cases, medical records will be obtained from individuals who have a history of asthma and from those who saw a physician while working at the Justice Complex.

RESULTS:  Fifty-four of the employees present during the three day visit had volunteered to complete the survey. Preliminary results show that 46 (85%) of the participants suffered from frequent sinusitis; 43 (80%) had frequent coughs; and 30 (56%) complained of shortness of breath. Forty-four (81%) are currently taking asthma or allergy medications as a result of their symptoms. Fifteen (28%) indicated a history of asthma.

CONCLUSIONS: A majority of workers at a public facility suffered various symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Mold was confirmed to be present in the workplace. Medical records will be evaluated to determine the number of cases of WRA. Staff will continue to work with the employer and employees to remediate the mold situation and results from this study may be used in the implementation of intervention programs to prevent future cases of WRA.