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Dr. Kelman reported the following findings for mold spore levels <br /> ® outdoor versus inside Fire Stations 1, 7, 10, and 11: <br /> Fire Highest Location Highest Location <br /> Station Outdoor Indoor <br /> Concentration Concentration <br /> 1 Exterior <br /> 15,374 Admin/ 220 Kitchen <br /> Office area <br /> 7 3,477 Rear Bay 270 Lounge <br /> Doors <br /> 10 7,500 Exit off 327 Bunk <br /> Kitchen <br /> 11 9,400 Front/Main 1,790 Weight <br /> Entry Room <br /> He pointed out that the air concentration outside the Fire Stations <br /> showed far more mold spores than the indoor environment, which <br /> means allergy sufferers would suffer less inside the Fire Stations than <br /> outdoors. He recommended atopic individuals be tested by their <br /> primary care medical doctor to see what they are allergic to so they can <br /> avoid exposure. He described the technologies used in the <br /> measurements and characteristics of mold and bacteria; and reported <br /> that when the Institute of Medicine and the World Health Organization <br /> ® conducted their comprehensive review of the scientific literature, they <br /> concluded that they could not find enough evidence for adverse effects <br /> from inhaled mycotoxins, bacteria, or endotoxins in an indoor <br /> environment. <br /> Commissioner Zorc wanted to know what was causing the firefighters' <br /> symptoms, and what should be done since mold was not the cause. <br /> Dr. Kelman replied that it was not a simple answer, the most likely <br /> diagnosis would be an allergy, which would involve specific testing by <br /> their primary care medical doctor. He felt the repairs to the Fire <br /> Stations were exactly what needs to be done. He stressed that the state <br /> of housekeeping is really important in a Fire Station, and if mold is <br /> sighted, like on the ceiling or in a shower, it should be wiped off <br /> immediately to prevent it from growing. He did not believe the mold in <br /> the Fire Stations would harm a firefighter unless they have an allergy; <br /> however, he stressed that no one enjoys living in an environment with <br /> mold because it looks and smells bad. <br /> Mark Hill, Workers' Compensation Attorney, revealed that the <br /> Workers' Compensation Program was not a great system. He said the <br /> problem is the statutory scheme and how it is regulated since the system <br /> ® was not designed to take conditionsthat are not evident that the cause <br /> _ <br /> Board of County Commission Minutes Page 3 <br /> June 16,2015 <br />