Leaks seen as source of ‘sick building’

Art Nadler

Thursday, Oct. 8, 1998 | 11:31 a.m.

State investigators think they've located water sources that may be fueling mysterious illnesses plaguing the Grant Sawyer State Office Building.

Representatives from the state Risk Management Division are meeting at 1 p.m. today to plan the next line of defense with building maintenance personnel, scientists and tenants from agencies located in the $26 million office complex at 555 E. Washington Ave.

Employees have been experiencing respiratory problems, itchy eyes, coughing and feelings of fatigue -- symptoms commonly referred to as "sick building syndrome" -- for nearly a year. A few months ago, inspectors found mold growing on ceiling tiles and water leaking from hot water valves. When the tiles were replaced and valves sealed, workers symptoms disappeared for a while.

When wet weather occurred, the symptoms reappeared and led investigators to believe water was entering through an outside source and causing fungus and molds to grow.

"Fungus growing in buildings can cause fevers, nausea and these symptoms," said Dr. Linda Stetzenbach, a microbiologist from UNLV who is working with state investigators. "Fungus doesn't dry up and die. It remains dormant. It could be in a powder form, dust or a smudge on the wall like shoe polish. Oftentimes, we can't see it because it's hidden in walls."

Stetzenbach said no one knows whether molds and funguses are causing the illnesses, but they are highly suspected.

Ted Ice, environmental project manager for the state Public Works Board, said outside leaks have been detected in three areas: the building's expansion joints, exterior caulking and in the groat where it meets the exterior tiles.

"If we can eliminate the water getting into the building, we can eliminate the growth," Ice said.

Investigators have removed a section of wall on the third floor of the five-story office complex, an area in which employees in the Workers' Compensation Department of Administration have experienced severe symptoms.

Ice said work crews will hose down the exterior of the office complex in the next few days to see whether water is leaking through the interior wall.

Employees in the Sawyer Building previously experienced illnesses in 1996 with what was described as a sulfide-type disorder. The problem was solved when the source was traced to a grease trap in the cafeteria.