Five law firms filed a class-action lawsuit in federal court in Detroit on Wednesday, alleging chronic mold is at the top of a long list of problems harming the health of more than 2,000 inmates at Michigan’s «chaotic and perilous» prison for women.

Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility near Ypsilanti is overcrowded, understaffed, poorly managed and «operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity, endangering the health and safety of incarcerated women and staff alike daily,» the suit alleges.

The prison is humid and damp, partly as a result of a documented history of leaky roofs, and it has poor ventilation because its 44-year-old heating, cooling and air circulation system is overdue for replacement, according to the lawsuit. Those factors have combined to produce several varieties of toxic mold, the suit alleges.

«The mold has taken a significant toll on the women incarcerated in WHV, both physically and mentally,» the suit alleges.

«The mold has caused respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, rashes, dizziness, and fatigue — all symptoms which, in turn, impact the inflicted’s mental health and which may lead to serious, long-lasting physical effects, such as asthma, life-threatening secondary infections, insomnia, memory less, trouble concentrating and confusion.»

Corrections Department spokesman Chris Gautz said the agency does not comment on pending litigation, but the agency disagrees with the claims in the lawsuit.

Everyone who works at the women’s prison understands and takes seriously «their critical role in not only public safety, but in the health and safety of the prisoners and staff inside the facility,» Gautz said.

The Free Press has reported on prisoners’ complaints about black mold at the prison, including reports of prison officials telling inmates to paint over mold on walls in the shower areas. Gautz has repeatedly denied there is mold or unhealthy ventilation in the prison.

In July, the Free Press reported that state budget officials said a $488,000 project to replace restroom exhaust fans was needed because «existing exhaust fans are beyond repair, resulting in limited to no ventilation,” and “lack of proper ventilation results in potential health and safety issues for prisoners and staff.»

Even then, Gautz said budget officials described the rationale for the project inaccurately in their report to the State Administrative Board, which approves construction contracts.

«What’s really happening is we have a good ventilation system in our showers, but after some analysis, it was determined it could be more efficient,» resulting in the request for «a routine maintenance project,» he said.

Budget officials then amended their stated reasons for carrying out the project, saying the original memo should have made clear «the fans are not currently causing a ventilation problem,»

More: How Flint MD solved rash mystery that stumped women’s prison officials

More: State agency does about-face on why women’s prison is getting $488,000 fix

Jonathan Marko, a Detroit attorney representing the prisoners, said a stated aim of the Corrections Department is prisoner rehabilitation, but women can’t return as productive members of society if they suffer permanent health damage as a result of the conditions under which they are held.

«This is just another in a long line of denials, deceptions and deflections» by the Corrections Department, Marko said. «They ignore everything they can get away with.»

The 50-page complaint says the mold in shower units has been especially extreme for more than five years and in some cases has eaten through bricks and door frames and caused tiles to peel up from the floor.

Complaints from prisoners date to at least 2013 and include a 2018 letter to the warden signed by prisoners elected to an advisory body called the «warden’s forum,» the lawsuit alleges. In 2014, the same committee of prisoners requested stronger cleaning agents and disinfectants to help address the mold problem, but the request was denied, the suit alleges.

«The women have complained about the presence of mold in the facility for years, and continue to do so, but their pleas have been ignored.»

The suit, proposed as a class-action, alleges violation of constitutional guarantees of equal protection under the law and bans on cruel and unusual punishment. It also alleges gross negligence. The suit, assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood, asks the court to acknowledge the alleged violations and seeks monetary damages.

Named plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Paula Bailey, Krystal Clark, and Hope Zentz, though the suit proposes that possibly thousands of other women have similar claims.

Bailey, 54, is serving 30 to 50 years for three 1996 homicides in Wayne County, according to Corrections Department records.

Bailey first noticed mold inside the prison in 2016 and developed a rash that left scars on her face, chest and legs after mold dripped from the ceiling shower onto her face, chest and legs, the suit alleges. She developed a respiratory infection in 2018 and three prison nurses have said her symptoms are mold-related, the suit alleges.

Clark, 35, is serving 17 to 30 years for armed robbery and assault charges in Wayne County, according to prison records.

Clark has also had mold drip on her while she showered and «has developed significant respiratory problems and other mold-related symptoms,» the suit alleges. Her headaches have worsened and she «suffers from coughing fits so severe that she has been provided with a face mask to wear when visiting with other people.» She has filed multiple complaints and grievances about the mold, but the prison has failed to act, according to the lawsuit.

Zentz, 43, is serving 18 to 40 years for assault with intent to murder and other offenses committed in Oakland County in 2007, prison records show.

Zentz also developed a rash from exposure to mold in the showers and experiences headaches and dizziness, as well as coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing, the suit alleges. This year, she suffered a nose infection for two months and she has complained about the mold on numerous occasions, the suit alleges.

Defendants in the case are the Department of Corrections, Director Heidi Washington, Warden Shawn Brewer, and several other prison officials.

The Free Press has reported on numerous problems at the women’s prison, including overcrowding, mandatory overtime that leaves officers stressed and overworked, and a persistent rash that prison officials failed to properly diagnose and treat for more than a year.

The law firms bringing the case are Marko Law of Detroit, Nichols Kaster of Minneapolis, Minn., Pitt McGehee of Royal Oak, David Steingold of Detroit, and Excolo Law of Southfield.

Contact Paul Egan: 517-372-8660 or pegan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @paulegan4. Read more on Michigan politics and sign up for our elections newsletter.  

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source https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2019/11/21/womens-prison-huron-valley-correctional-ypsilanti-mold/4246909002/

Copyright 2019 by KSAT — All rights reserved.

source https://www.ksat.com/sa-live/2019/11/21/3-tips-to-protect-your-house-from-pests-and-devastating-water-damage/

All students, regardless of their housing plans for next semester, are required to fill out a housing intent form on the StarRez housing portal by Dec. 2. Part of filling out the form will involve signing the 2019-2020 housing agreement which “outlines the terms and conditions associated with living in student housing at Wellesley,” according to the Office of Residential Life (ORL). Most students already signed the 2019-2010 housing contract for Spring 2019, but they are expected to re-sign the contract when they submit their housing intent form. Some students on campus have raised concerns over language in the 2019-2020 housing contract, which students on social media have labeled as “vague,” and additionally flagged two clauses that were not present in older housing contracts.

One of these new clauses states that “the College reserves the right for authorized representatives of the College to enter accommodation at any time to plan or perform maintenance. Such entrance may occur unannounced and/or without notice.” This is a departure from previous housing contracts, such as the 2016-2017 housing contract, which promised students a twenty-four hour notice “except in case of an emergency,” citing students’ “constitutional right to be free of unreasonable search and seizure.” In Senate on Monday, Nov. 18 however, Dean Sheilah Horton said that unannounced entrance are not compliant with school policy and that school employees may enter only after knocking. 

In a school-wide email, Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management Dave Chakraborty said of the new clause, “Once you have submitted a work order, Facilities is authorized to begin work on the repair, so you may not receive further advance notification.” Chakraborty also assured students that “at all times, Facilities staff will knock on your door and announce themselves to give you an opportunity to open the door prior to their entry. At no point will a staff member enter any student room without knocking loudly and waiting for a response. If there is no response, they will enter the room and begin work.”

Kaila Webb ’20, one of the first students to raise questions about the language used in the 2019-2020 housing contract via social media, told the Wellesley News about her own personal experience with unexpected entry. “Over the summer someone broke the knob off of my radiator,” said Webb. “I filed a work order like you’re supposed to and I got a notice later that week that [my request] had been accepted.” Webb explained that she went to class for 75 minutes and when she returned the knob had been fixed. 

“I’m not too upset about this,” said Webb. “I just want to know what the rules are. But it’s kind of concerning that someone can enter your room while you’re gone. Our rooms are the only space on campus that are ours, so we should be able to control who can enter the room.”

Webb also voiced her concerns over a new clause which is conspicuously absent from the 2016-2017 housing contract, which states that “each student in the Residence Hall is jointly responsible for and will be charged a prorated share of the cost of any loss or damage from any cause to the public and semi-public areas of their residence hall.” Webb was particularly concerned by the vagueness of the phrase “from any cause,” wondering if the College will use the vague language to charge students for pre-existing damage to residence halls.

 In response to these concerns, Director of Residential Life and Housing Helen Wang explained, “Damage caused by students in residence is very unusual in Wellesley. We haven’t had to charge students for this, but if damage were to happen, we would need to remedy that. That is what this clause is for – to protect the residence experience for all future residents.” Wang also stated that the College has a record of pre-existing damage to residence halls, writing, “A record of the current conditions of all of halls and this data is collected and maintained on a regular basis by Housing and Facilities.”

Although the idea of colleges having prorated charges for damage to public spaces is not uncommon, other colleges such as Wesleyan University provide a list of types of damages and the cost that the responsible student or students will be charged. For example, an item left in the hallway at Wesleyan will cost $100, a damaged security screen will cost $500 and a damaged elevator will cost $1000. Wellesley has yet to supply students with a list of potential damages and their costs, although according to Wang, in terms of prorated costs “we are literally talking about cents.” Still, some students objected to the idea of prorated charges on principle. “It’s group punishment,” said one anonymous member of the Class of 2022. “Punishing the group for the mistakes of one person isn’t right.” 

One clause, stating that students are now responsible and liable for insuring their personal property for losses due to fire, smoke, water and theft, has also caused concern among some students. This is a common clause in college housing contracts, and a similar clause was included in the 2016-2017 housing contract, which said that “the student is responsible for the loss, theft, or damage to both College and/or personal property caused by the student or the student’s guests.” Some students have raised concerns with the language in the 2019-2020 version of the clause, particularly the inclusion of the word “water” and the implication that students need renters insurance. 

Many colleges require students to purchase renters insurance to cover damages to personal property. However, because the Wellesley housing contract does not explicitly state that students need renters insurance, some students were left confused.  “I need to know if I need renters insurance and what the College’s liability is,” said Webb. In response to these concerns, Wang wrote “… it’s best practice for students living in residence to covered [sic.] under homeowners/renters’ insurance. We know that some folks won’t have that and we are absolutely understanding of that situation.” 

There is also concern that many insurance companies will not insure some of Wellesley’s most dilapidated dorm rooms. For example, Lemonade, a popular renters insurance company, has a clause in its contract which states that it “does not cover loss caused by mold, fungus, or wet rot unless hidden within the walls or ceilings or beneath the floors or above the ceiling of a structure.” Because there is visible water damage and mold in some dorm rooms, there is some concern that they will be uninsurable. 

International students and undocumented students may also find it difficult to obtain renters insurance, which may leave their rooms uninsured. This is because many insurance companies require a social security number (SSN) in order to get renters insurance, so international and undocumented students may find their insurance company choices limited. International students on an F-1 visa are not given an SSN by the government unless they find employment and some insurance companies even require a U.S. citizen to co-sign the insurance policy, which might make the insurance process harder for international students. 

The inclusion of the word “water” has perturbed some students because water damage has become a major issue in Munger Hall. At the beginning of this semester, pipes burst in the rooms of four first years living there. More pipes have burst in Munger Hall since then, and some students are concerned that affected students will be expected to pay for damage even if pipe bursts were not their fault. In response to this, Wang said of the students whose property was damaged in Munger Hall by water damage, “they met with me, we shared with the Dean’s Office and today, all of their listed damages were reimbursed. Done.” 

Wang wrote of the 2019-2020 contract, “we will always do our best to do the right thing for our students and I hope that at some point, students will trust that is the case. This agreement is not in any way intended to be punitive, rather it is our way to communicate expectations, rights and responsibilities of the College and its students.”

source https://thewellesleynews.com/2019/11/20/language-used-in-housing-contract-raises-some-concerns-among-student-body/

source https://www.prweb.com/releases/morro_bay_mold_damage_specialist_releases_the_report_managing_mold_in_schools/prweb16730736.htm

(MENAFN — GetNews)

While mold plays a valuable role in outdoor ecosystems, breaking down organic matter, an excess of it can spell trouble for modern homeowners. There is no way to eradicate mold completely from most residential households. However, it’s important for homeowners who notice substantial mold growth to take action as soon as possible to prevent it from getting out of control.

Health Impacts of Mold

Some people believe that mold growth is a serious problem; The scientific community begs to differ. Ample scientific evidence links mold exposure to upper respiratory symptoms, increased morbidity for patients suffering from asthma and allergies, and even neurological damage. Controlling mold growth is the best way to ensure a family’s ongoing good health, especially if one or more residents suffer from asthma, allergies, or autoimmune disorders.

Structural Impacts of Mold

Surface mold is largely an aesthetic issue, making it relatively easy to address. The mold can be scrubbed away and the affected wood can be treated to prevent it from coming back. Unfortunately, mold can sometimes penetrate wood and other organic surfaces, causing dry rot that can spread in moist conditions and lead to substantial structural damage. Severely damaged or dry-rotted wood may need to be replaced to maintain the home’s structural integrity.

Early Warning Signs of Mold

Some mold growth is easy to spot. Mold colonies can be black, pink, green, or white, causing them to stand out on neutrally colored walls. However, mold can also grow behind wallpaper or even behind the walls themselves. Homeowners should keep an eye out and pay attention to unusual, musty odors in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, basements, and air ducts. Catching and treating mold infestations early is the best way to avoid potentially serious health problems and substantial home repairs, so visithttps://teammicrotech.com/contactto get in touch with a mold remediation expert as soon as unusual odors become noticeable in the home.

What to Expect During Mold Remediation

The first steps that mold remediation experts will take toward solving the problem are to assess the extent of the damage and determine the source of moisture feeding the mold. Most experts recommend that families leave the home until they have removed the mold to avoid potential health and safety hazards, although whether the family has to leave depends on the extent of the mold growth and where it is located.

Remediation companies often use plastic sheeting to cordon off affected areas to scrub the air of mold spores. They also remove all visible mold and perform extensive inspections of building materials, replacing severely damaged wood, drywall, and other structural components as needed. Once the company’s technicians have removed all the mold, they will apply mold-resistant primers and take steps to dehumidify the area to reduce the chances of similar problems coming up again.

Homeowners who suspect their properties may be suffering from mold infestations should take action immediately and callMicroTech Solutions . They offer everything from water damage restoration to comprehensive mold remediation and more. Visithttps://teammicrotech.comto learn more about the company and its services or call now to schedule an inspection to get the mold removal process started.

Media Contact
Company Name: MicroTech Solutions
Contact Person: Owner
Email: Send Email
Phone: (904) 448-1030
Address: 11235 St Johns Industrial Pkwy N #5
City: Jacksonville
State: FL
Country: United States
Website: teammicrotech.com/

MENAFN1911201900703268ID1099297974

source https://menafn.com/1099297974/Mold-Remediation-Services-Available-in-Jacksonville-Florida

source https://www.palmcoastobserver.com/article/county-to-attempt-to-sell-back-moldy-sears-building-seek-reimbursement-for-costs

VICTORIA, Texas — Victoria College is seeking historical photos or drawings from the public of the Welder Center Annex, which is directly behind the Leo J. Welder Center for the Performing Arts, located at 214 N. Main Street in Victoria.

Submissions will be used to assist Victoria College in historic preservation of the building during upcoming renovation.

The annex was originally built in 1930 as the Bernhard Electric Co. building.

«Photos from 1930 to 1960 – especially of weddings and other events that took place at the nearby First Presbyterian Church that would have the Bernhard Electric Co. building in the background – or photos taken of the building from any angle would be useful,» said Sue Prudhomme, VC executive director of cultural affairs.

Hurricane Harvey destroyed the roof of the Welder Center Annex in 2017. The contents and interior sustained substantial water damage, resulting in mold and mildew. The roof was replaced in 2018, and community input into the future of the Welder Center Annex was compiled. Victoria College has completed mold remediation and is now proceeding with plans to rehabilitate the annex as office, rehearsal, and performance space for events that overflow from the Welder Center.

Photos and drawings can be submitted by contacting Prudhomme at (361) 485-8540 or at WelderCenter@VictoriaCollege.edu.

The information in this article is from a press release sent by Victoria College.

source https://www.crossroadstoday.com/news/local-news/vc-seeking-photos-of-welder-center-annex-former-bernhard-electric-co-building/1143347391

The air quality inside your house may not be as healthy as you might think it is. 

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, indoor air quality can be as troublesome as the air outside. Not only does outdoor air pollution seep inside, but there are various scents, chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and allergens such as dust mites, pets, cockroaches and mold that also could be in your home.

If you have been suffering from allergy or asthma symptoms, it could be due to a buildup of these allergens:

DUST MITES

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live inside the dust in your home. They usually can be found on furniture, carpet and bedding, and they like warm and humid environments the best. Some people may develop an allergic reaction to them. Most common symptoms are sneezing, a runny nose and itchy or watery eyes. If you develop a persistent cough and trouble breathing, then you may have asthma.

PET ALLERGENS

When it comes to pet allergens, it is usually the proteins in a cat or dog’s urine, saliva or dander to which people are actually allergic. Like dust mites, pet dander can cling to all the fabric and surfaces in your home. Cluttered areas of the home are generally hotspots for dust mites and pet dander.

MOLD

Mold growth is a persistent problem in many homes. Be vigilant about eliminating it from your bathrooms, especially around the sinks, showers and toilets, and in basements. Anywhere you may have water leaks or damage are also prime breeding ground for mold spores. 

There are more than 1,000 different molds found in U.S. homes, Harvard Health reports. When you find it in your home, be sure to clean it up right away with a combination of bleach and water. A 1:10 ratio is recommended.

COCKROACHES

While no one wants cockroaches in their home, for some people their presences is not only a nuisance, but also a health hazard. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology warns that the salivia, feces and shedding from cockroaches can cause allergies or asthma. Cockroaches can be found in between 78% and 98% of homes in urban areas, according to the National Pest Management Association.

Your body might be sensitive to certain allergens because «your immune system makes antibodies that identify your particular allergen as something harmful, even though it isn’t,» according to the Mayo Clinic. Your body then creates an «inflammatory response in your nasal passages or lungs.»

Scents, chemicals and VOCs in your home also can impact your health. Common sources of VOCs include new furnitute, mattresses, carpet, as well as cleaning supplies, air fresheners and pesticides. Schedule an appointment with an allergy specialist if you have been experiencing allergy or asthma symptoms.

source https://www.phillyvoice.com/allergies-most-common-indoor-pollutants-cockroaches-mold-mites-pets/

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PuroClean Prepares Homeowners, Businesses Leading into Upcoming Season

November 18, 2019 // Franchising.com // Tamarac, FL — Winter is coming…and much like previous years, the impending season is predicted to bring increasingly frigid temperatures. PuroClean, a leading national restoration and remediation franchise, is offering expert insight into what property owners can expect this season — along with tips for how to prepare.

“We want to inform communities throughout the country about what to expect this winter, so that they can prepare their homes and businesses properly,” said Steve White, president and COO of PuroClean. “While we can’t precisely predict the potential impact of winter weather that is on its way, PuroClean can provide helpful hints based on our past experience, arming the general public with information that will minimize potential damage.”

This winter is predicted to be freezing and frosty with temperatures peaking early next year, according to Farmers’ Almanac. Active winter weather systems could even bring the return of the polar vortex that wreaked havoc on communities in 2018. Many businesses that were unprepared for last season’s impact were forced to close or relocate, due to damage, and many homeowners saw flooding or excessive structural damage. These five expert tips from PuroClean can help reduce the possibility of internal and external property damage:

1. Inspect Heating System — Throughout the winter, make sure to keep homes and businesses safe by inspecting your heating system. Prevent carbon monoxide leaks by inspecting the furnace and heat pump to ensure the system is working correctly. Be sure to regularly check and change furnace filters each month as they trap dirt and dust which can impact the effectiveness of the furnace.
2. Prevent Water Damage — With cold weather comes a plethora of water and thawed snow which can heavily impact any home or business structure. Remove snow from around a building’s foundation, check water supply lines for leaks yearly and install leak detectors to prevent potential water damage. Remember to disconnect outdoor hoses when not in use to avoid creating a blockage leading to backflow. Consider adding sewage back-up coverage to the building’s insurance plan.
3. Protect Pipes from Freezing — With potentially harsh winter conditions ahead, water pipes can freeze and possibly burst causing both water damage and flooding to homes and businesses alike. Simply insulating water pipes in unheated areas, opening cabinet doors to let air circulate around the plumping and letting small amounts of cold-water flow through the pipes are quick ways to prevent frozen pipes. Planning on leaving town for a few days? Remember to set the thermostat to at least 55° F and turn off the water supply, including any appliances that use water.
4. Prevent Ice Dams — Ensure your attic has enough ventilation and that there are not any air leaks. Finding ice dams on your roof is a sign that your attic is not properly insulated, which can lead to the growth of mold within your home or business.
5. Prevent Mold Growth — Winter mold growth tends to form in buildings with poor ventilation, raised humidity and water leaks. Proper building ventilation is key to preventing mold growth during the winter. Opening a window or using an exhaust fan when cooking or showering, is a simple yet effective way to lower the presence of mold growth. It’s best to keep indoor humidity below 60%, try a dehumidifier to reach preferred moisture level. Clean the building regularly to reduce food sources for mold.

Commercial and residential properties are increasingly impacted by the strong forces that winter brings. According to the Insurance Information Institute, one in 15 property owners report winter related damages yearly. Whether exterior damage caused by ice dams and strong winds or interior damage due to frozen and burst pipes, repairing homes and businesses can be costly, but avoidable with preparation.

PuroClean is one of the leading restoration franchise companies in the nation. Each year, PuroClean performs thousands of jobs throughout the United States and Canada, providing restoration services from common to large-scale disasters.

For more information on PuroClean, contact 800-775-7876 or visit www.PuroClean.com.

About PuroClean

Known as the “Paramedics of Property Damage®,” PuroClean provides water damage remediation, flood water removal, fire and smoke damage remediation, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup to commercial and residential customers. Founded in 2001, PuroClean has a comprehensive network of 290+ franchise offices across North America. PuroClean technicians are thoroughly screened, insured, and trained in utilizing the latest in mitigation technology and procedures, while operating under a strict code of ethics. Each PuroClean office is independently owned and operated. For more information about PuroClean, contact 800-775-7876 or visit www.puroclean.com; for franchise information, visit www.puroclean.com/franchise.

Media Contacts:

Rachel Tabacnic/ Deiondra Skinner
Hemsworth Communications
954-716-7614
PuroCleanPR@HemsworthCommunications.com

SOURCE PuroClean

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source https://www.franchising.com/news/20191118_national_restoration_and_remediation_experts_offer.html

When Petty Officer Kylie Bowers moved to her new post at Fort Meade in Maryland, they secured a townhome on the base with enough room for Bowers, her husband, and their 1-year-old son.

But over the next year, the home had repeated problems with mold and water damage, causing Bowers and her son to develop persistent health problems, while the private company that managed the property made only minor fixes and refused to even provide the results of its mold testing, according to a new lawsuit filed by the Bowers and other families on the base.

The suit, filed Tuesday in Maryland federal court, accuses Corvias Management of lining its pockets by scaling back maintenance and repairs for properties at Fort Meade and subjecting them to substandard, mold-infested housing in the process.

“The conditions were causing injuries, both economic and healthwise,” said Kevin Collins, an attorney with Covington & Burling LLP who is representing the families on a pro bono basis. “I think [the company was], frankly, more than happy to try to make the problem go away by saying things that weren’t true.”

He added, “It’s not like this was a one-off problem. … It’s really distressing.”

The suit seeks to represent the interest of all families on the base who have had mold problems, which could potentially be more than 800 families. It accuses the company of violating state and federal law, fraud, breach of contract, and gross negligence.

According to Collins, the corner-cutting by private housing companies — the military often outsources the management of housing for service members — is common on military bases and likely extends well beyond Fort Meade.

In fact, in October, a similar suit was filed in Texas, alleging that another company, AETC II Privatized Housing, failed to properly maintain properties on two Air Force bases.

As outlined in the complaint filed against Corvias, the property management companies earn money by collecting service members’ monthly basic allowance for housing, or BAH. This amount, which is calculated based on average rental prices in the area, is automatically transferred to the companies each month that a service member lives in a company property.

However, this arrangement means that companies’ revenue is more or less fixed, meaning they are incentivized to cut costs wherever possible, including on maintenance, according to the complaint.

On Fort Meade, multiple families have signed onto the current suit, all alleging that Corvias persistently ignored mold problems in their homes, among other problems. The neglect continued even as the service members and their families, including young children, developed health problems associated with mold such as respiratory issues.

One family detailed multiple instances of repairmen coming to inspect visible mold growth and simply wiping it off without investigating the sources of mold or the source of the house’s moisture problems. The same family later discovered mold under their carpets and found that water damage had rotted out beams under their son’s second-story playroom.

Another family allegedly found mold growing inside their HVAC unit, even after Corvias had treated the house for mold and declared that the problem was resolved.

The moisture problems in one house were so pervasive that workmen tried to cut through the kitchen ceiling to locate a leak, the complaint alleged. The leak was never properly sealed, according to the family.

A family with a son on the autism spectrum alleged that after their children started getting sick from mold exposure, Corvias initially refused to test for mold. After an independent test confirmed the presence of mold, the company attempted to pressure the family to move into a two-story housing unit that would have been unsafe for their son, because Corvias did not want to pay for a hotel, the complaint said.

The same family was also eventually forced to throw out numerous mold-infested belongings, including stuffed animals that were calming for their son, as well as his special sensory swing, causing him ongoing distress, according to the complaint.

Multiple families also alleged that Corvias ran industrial air purifiers in their home prior to testing, that the company’s efforts to fix mold problems were ineffective, and that representatives did not appear to take the problem seriously, even after family members became sick.

“While we as a Nation honor our servicemembers and their families, on U.S. Army Installation Fort George G. Meade, [Corvias] have instead subjected these servicemembers to appalling housing conditions and cavalier treatment,” the complaint said.

The suit is asking for damages for the families, and a court order that would require third-party testing of all housing units on Fort Meade and prevent Corvias from collecting BAH from service members while their homes still tested positively for mold.

“We continue to get outreach from families [on the base],” Collins said. The issue, he added, is not going away.

Corvias did not respond to a request for comment.

Have a story idea for Access to Justice? Reach us at accesstojustice@law360.com.

—Editing by Katherine Rautenberg.

source https://www.law360.com/access-to-justice/articles/1219723/military-families-march-to-court-over-fort-meade-s-housing