California Prison Guards Report Health Concerns Due to Mold Exposure at Federal Correctional Institution

The Fresno Bee has published an article about complaints from prison guards at the Federal Correctional Institution in Mendota. The medium-security prison opened in 2012 to house approximately 800 male prisoners, but according to the report, some prison guards working in the control room have more than just their safety to be concerned about when they come to work.

The publication states that the local president of the American Federation of Government Employees has filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel due to mold growth in the prison and the possibility of “sick building syndrome” in parts of the facility. Exposure to elevated levels of airborne spores and mold fragments can cause respiratory irritation, allergies, trigger asthma attacks in sensitive individuals and could in some circumstances even lead to infections in some people.  Even low levels of mold can cause health issues for people who are particularly sensitive to its presence.

“A prison or any type of building with indoor plumbing leaks, structural issues that allow moisture to enter or high humidity levels can experience mold issues that can quickly lead to indoor air quality concerns,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Mold only needs moisture and a food source to begin to grow and many common building materials, furnishing and people’s belongings readily act as a food source when moisture is present.”

Working to identify elevated levels of mold in indoor environments are the specialists at LA Testing. With multiple laboratories in California, they provide mold testing analysis, all of the sampling supplies necessary, easy-to-use test kits and building inspection tools. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about indoor mold that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/QPWConEJW9Q

To learn more about mold and indoor air quality (IAQ) testing or other environmental, occupational, health and safety services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to indoor environmental test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.

About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

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LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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