Almost one-third of the 35 staff at the newly-built Port Angeles, Washington, branch of the North Olympic Library System have missed some work this year because of air-quality-related health problems, the Associated Press reported June 7.
Four people have been particularly affected, among them branch head Susan Skaggs, who now wears a filtered mask to work. Skaggs told AL that she and others have suffered intermittent allergy-like symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, a burning sensation in the eyes, and rashes intermittently since November 1998, three months after the $5.3-million building was completed. No patrons have reported air-related problems.
An environmental consultant turned up no problems, but last year Healthy Buildings, an indoor-air-quality firm, found high levels of dust and an inadequate air distribution system. Changes are being made in the air-intake and exhaust systems.
Hal Enerson, administrative services manager, said the library has spent $10,000 on the problem, and Skaggs was quick to say that “the administration has been really good” about granting administrative leave to affected staff and trying to find a solution.
Posted June 12, 2000.