TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Department of Economic Opportunity employees were sent home Wednesday from the Northwood Centre after several employees fell ill.
According to a statement released by Northwood Associates, the group that operates the Northwood Centre, one employee passed out and others became ill with undisclosed symptoms.
The release claimed that there is no indication the air quality, based on recent tests, would have led to today's events. They stated that although they are awaiting a full report, initial results reportedly showed the air inside was just as good as the air outside the building.
This comes after nearly ten pounds of bat guano was found in the ceiling earlier this month. Northwood Centre is home to not only the State Department of Business and Regulation but 15-other local businesses and restaurants.
According to attorney Ryan Andrews, more than 20 people are filing a lawsuit against the owners and managers, claiming airborne mold and animal feces made them sick.
Below is the full statement from Northwood Associates:
Northwood Associates issued the following statement regarding an incident in which a state employee passed out at Northwood Centre:
After a small number of employees fell ill at Northwood Centre today, the Department of Economic Opportunity sent employees home for the day. We wish the affected employees a speedy recovery from whatever made them feel ill, but extensive testing today and in recent days – by our expert consultants and by the Tallahassee Fire Department – shows no indication of air quality issues within the facility that would have led to today’s events.
As recently as this week, detailed scientific testing has been conducted. While we are still awaiting a comprehensive report on that testing, preliminary findings confirm that the air quality in the part of Northwood Centre that houses DEO offices is at least as good as the air outside the building. Among the recent tests are:
* Within the past month, ATC Group Services – a full-service environmental consulting and industrial hygiene firm – has performed airborne mold testing; preliminary results detected no airborne mold levels higher than what would be found outdoors
* Within the past week, ATC did visual inspections of ductwork; preliminary results found only typical amounts of dust and debris
* The Tallahassee Fire Department today checked the area for flammability, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen levels, and carbon monoxide; results showed normal levels.
In addition, an air conditioning compressor was replaced on the roof of the building yesterday. While that process is a routine part of building maintenance, Northwood Associates will have the system rechecked to ensure that it is clean and operating properly.
Also, contractor Orkin performed spot interior and exterior termite treatment on Friday and preventive exterior treatment this week. A review of Orkin’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) determined that only innocuous chemicals were used in this process.
Additional environmental tests will continue, and based on the scientific evidence resulting from those tests, we will be developing a plan to move forward with any needed corrections.
