SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
9 Firefighters in Indian River County (Florida) have tested
positive for exposure to toxic mold, which could be inside their fire stations,
according to The Indian River County Firefighters Union.
The union received the test results this week.
Union President, John O'Connor, says the union is now
pressing the county to more thoroughly inspect the stations for mold and to
correct the problem.
O'Connor says firefighters at three stations tested
positive.
"It indicates that there's a major problem and we have
to fix it sooner than later," said O'Connor.
This comes after two firefighters tested positive for toxic
mold exposure earlier this year. O'Connor says seven more tests were ordered
after those first two came back positive.
He says this helps build the union's case that it is no
coincidence the tests are coming back positive, but that there is mold in the
fire houses.
County leaders have argued that there is no proof the mold
exposure is coming from the fire stations. County administrator Joseph Baird
says the exposure could be at their homes or other areas.
CHD Baird says four different fire stations were inspected
for mold late last year. Those inspections did reveal "suspect visible
mold", but the possible mold was not collected or tested to be confirmed.
Baird said other inspections will be done, but did not
detail to what extent.
"They've cited it in all the reports and they refuse to
acknowledge it," O'Connor said.
O'Connor is one of the people who tested positive. He wants
the county to do a more thorough inspection to make sure firefighters are safe
at work.
"It's almost impossible to not go into the station at
any length of time. We live there. Every third day it's part of our life,"
O'Connor said.
"How many more test results do I need to show there is
a problem?"
O'Connor says the union is awaiting the results of two more tests.
O'Connor says the union is awaiting the results of two more tests.
Baird said the county could consider inspecting firefighters
houses for mold.
Two firefighters have been denied workers compensation. The
other seven are still waiting to hear if they will receive compensation.
An impasse hearing is scheduled March 20 where the
county and union will address this issue.
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