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Return to Article: Air traffic controllers sue over alleged mold problems

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  Steve is correct. The suit against ALL defendants was dismissed upon motion, in its ENTIRETY, by the Federal judge. The judge had rather stern words for the plaintiffs.

  The plaintiff has now had three of three cases he has brought DISMISSED by the Federal courts. Congress must take action to stop abuse of the judicial process, as illustrated by these frivolous actions.

  Walter J Johnson PE Posted August 26, 2008 2:54 PM
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  This lawsuit has been dismissed. You should update.

  Steve Posted August 25, 2008 11:13 AM
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  The 'press release' by natca contains actionable defamation. You better watch your back.

  Walter J Johnson, PE Posted July 23, 2008 4:18 PM
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  Just another whiner. Outsource the controller functions tomorrow and air safety will improve 6 fold

  John Rosecolli Posted March 6, 2008 4:48 PM
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  In April 2007, Mr. Sugent, two "seasoned" mold-illness toxic tort attorneys, an environmental toxicologist, and a genetic medical mycologist, and I, traveled to Washington, D.C. We discussed air quality in several Air Traffic Control Centers nationwide. Our focus was to educate Congressmen/Senators as to the seriousness of "high-levels" or "long-term" micro fungi exposures. I poured over mounds of envionmental and health documents directly related to this case. I have spoken with Controllers who are ill; and have discussed this with medical doctors and environmental scientists close to the case. I concur, that the evidence presented regarding lack of attention to standard remediation protocol is compelling. Being independent of this litigation, and having written manuals on the subject of remediation, I can assure you that long-term water/moisture on cement and/or affecting any surface harboring fungal nutrients (i.e., sheetrock, wood, ceiling tiles, etc.) will harvest fungal colonization. Mllions of Americans currently do not believe that molds and yeasts can cause health problesm. I am sure most Americans have never heard of me. That's OK. Vincent A. Marinkovich, M.D. (Medically certified: Allergy, Immunology, BioScientist, and in Medical Mycology -deceased) did know me, and very well. "...You are an expert in understanding the science behind our understanding of the evolution of microbes and the methods bacteria and micro fungi use in functioning as primary decomposers. You are proficient as an expert in explaining how, when, and why micro fungi are able to generate metabolic changes in animals and humans as they do their work."

  I mention Dr. Marinkovich's and his kindness merely to establish my grounds for concern in speaking to the Detroit National Air Traffic Controllers and their present environmental situation. Congress needs to "step up to the plate" on this subject. The Air Traffic Controller's issues are just a "tip of the iceburg" as to how Federal agencies have hap-hazardously treated a very deadly "latent" health and environmental situation in this Country.

  Douglas R. Haney Posted September 26, 2007 1:50 PM
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  My reply is to the comment above; "Quit, you won't be missed." If life could only be so simple. Welcome to my world. I worked in a government office which was a converted hallway and had the maintenance door to the elevator shaft in it. The moving elevator blew air under and around the door all day into our area. My co-worker and I were in this area a couple of years getting constant sinus infections and finally we both developed asthma. We asked for air tests which showed mold in the area. We no longer work in that office but we are still living with asthma. I wish just quitting would cure this! Moving away from that room sure has not cured my asthma. Asthma now affects my whole life and severly limits my activities. I must take daily doses of an asthma pill, a nasal inhaler, 2 inhalers, (one cortisone), and a fast acting inhaler when necessary. This is not a fun life for me now. I don't feel a trip to the emergency room in an ambulance is a recreational activity. Try giving up some of your social and recreational activities and settle for sitting on the sidelines while others have fun. It would have been better if the government had tested the area before turning it into an office and putting employees in it. It should not take two employees developing a life long lung condition to find there is a problem. We did not do anything wrong, our bodies did the complaining for us!!

  Annamarie Posted September 25, 2007 5:59 PM
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  Ohhhhh Noodles, stop the persecution complex 15 years and still ill. Its not physical its mental have her see a mental health care professional

  dan ketter Posted September 25, 2007 4:54 PM
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  To dan ketter,Put your self in a building with a mold problem for a few weeks and see how YOUR LUNGS feel. My wife was exposed 15 years ago to toxic mold and she is still ill.

  noodles Posted September 25, 2007 3:44 PM
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  This typical of Fed Employees always looking for something to complain about. My suggestion quit you won't be missed

  dan ketter Posted September 25, 2007 10:25 AM
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  Our building was vacant for nearly ten years before my agency took it over in 1992. Rumor has it that the HVAC system was not thoroughly cleaned before occupancy. Small clumps of black stuff would periodically fall from the vents. The former maintenance man never changed filters for the systems. Decaying birds were found sucked into the vent filters that bring outside air into the system. One of my coworkers was directed by her doctor to place mold collectors in our office area. These showed extremely high toxic levels of several different mold types. The GSA unit that inspects Federally leased properties rejected the test. Currently, I have a coworker with systemic mold poisoning. Mold is found in his blood and is throughout his system. He has chronic fatigue and constant headaches. The only place he could have been exposed to this quantity of mold is here. More generally, bronchitis and sinus problems are the norm for employees that work in the office on a daily basis. Nothing is taken seriously.

  Fred Posted September 25, 2007 10:05 AM
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  The Controllers could ask OSHA to investigate/or for inspection. OSHA has a program or standards for molds.

  If not, the Controllers can also ask the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOS), under the Department of Health for evaluation. This is the same group who conducted an evaluation of the safety of X-ray machines at major airports around the US.

  Rudolph Hermosa Posted September 25, 2007 8:36 AM
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  My wife has a severe allergy to mold. Although NOT an air traffic controller, I can tell you with great certainty that sensitivity to mold can be life threatening and result in death. This is a serious problem and the FAA needs to take all action necessary, discount NOTHING, to find the source and erradicate it before good people become seriously ill or die...............My wife is now limited to dry or high climates.

  Al Mastello Posted September 25, 2007 8:26 AM
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  Mold (and very high levels of C02, which is an indicator of poor ventilation) was found in my DOD building a dozen or so years ago. My agency tried its best to cover it up, even though an indoor air quality specialist spelled it out pretty clearly (considering that the DOD paid them).

  NOTHING was done. Two dozen or so of us were impacted. Acremonium spp was the invasive mold species. C02 limits were up to 8 times higher than the OSHA recommended limit of 600 - 800 PPM.

  My union eventually played a pivotal role in helping me to relocate. The air in that building is awful, too, although I have a door an can therefore control the air quality to some degree (e.g. HEPA air filter and dehumidifier).

  I'm saddened to see that my case wasn't an isolated one.

  Peter Posted September 24, 2007 8:57 PM