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Mold means it’s curtains for House upholstery shop, for now |
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By Karissa Marcum
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Posted: 09/06/07 07:00 PM [ET] |
The House upholstery shop has been closed after a neglected water leak spawned growth of toxic black mold, raising health concerns and prompting stern criticisms.
“I will not compromise when it comes to the safety of my workforce,” Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Daniel Beard said in explaining his decision to close the shop.
Beard said employee requests made to the Architect of the Capitol’s (AoC) office 18 months ago were ignored, endangering the health of eight employees who work in the space, which is annexed to the subbasement of the Rayburn House Office Building.
Beard sent a letter to acting Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers advising the office of the closure and criticizing its slow response.
“I frankly don’t think it’s been [the architect’s] finest hour in addressing this kind of issue,” Beard said.
The acting manager of textiles, Carol Swan, agreed. “It was time for Dan to stop in because we weren’t getting through to the AoC,” she said.
AoC spokeswoman Eva Malecki declined to comment on why her office failed to fix the leak, but emphasized cooperation.
“The AoC is actively addressing the recent discovery of mold and working with the CAO’s office to ensure a safe working environment is maintained for all employees,” Malecki said.
According to House safety officers, the mold is localized to the shop’s wet flooring and walls, but the air has yet to be tested for mold spores. The results of those tests are expected to be completed next week.
On Aug. 29, several mold samples were sent to an independent lab for testing, where scientists discovered two types of mold spores. One sample contained 10 times the allowable level of two types of airborne fungi known as Penicillium and Aspergillus, commonly referred to as “black mold.” Both contaminants can produce allergic reactions in some people who endure prolonged exposure.
Employees of the shop, which maintains and repairs all upholstered House furnishings, said they have been getting headaches. The temporary closure will force employees to work across the hall and in other buildings.
Malecki said repairs to the waterproofing system on the roofs of the House underground parking garages caused the leaks.
She said such efforts are “nearing completion.”
CAO safety coordinator Mike Garrott said a combination of continuous moisture, a reliable food source and the time the
mold has been allowed to grow have created “the perfect storm.”
Beard also announced his office is “seeking guidance” from the Office of Compliance, which enforces safety standards for legislative branch organizations.
A recent discovery of asbestos underneath the Capitol influenced Beard’s decision to close the shop.
“From my perspective, this is just the latest in a series of problems that have cropped up in the management of House facilities,” he said.
Beard said he was hopeful for a quick resolution: “I want it done and I want it done now — the safety of my employees is at risk.”
Swan said she cannot help but think about the possible health problems the shop’s employees have been exposed to. “I worry for my guys. I have a guy that sits there in the middle of everything. We’ll just have to wait until the testing comes back,” she said.
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