A federal agency has documented years of persistent indoor dampness and mold issues at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, conditions that employees claim have caused serious health problems. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released its final evaluation report last week after a lengthy investigation.
According to Military.com, the report urges academy officials to prominently display the findings for 30 days and establish a health and safety committee with both employee and management representatives to address the recommendations.
The academy responded Friday, stating it has been working since 2018 to tackle "the inherent challenges faced in historic buildings within a humid environment" and has developed an infrastructure plan incorporating modern technology for facility upgrades over the past two years.
Employees report serious health impacts
Susan Bibeau, president of Local 219 of the American Federation of Government Employees representing about 130 non-faculty academy employees, expressed skepticism about meaningful action from academy leadership.
"They will not make meaningful changes, in my opinion," said Bibeau, who retired in 2023 after 14 years at the academy. She believes officials have consistently downplayed the severity of mold, moisture and air quality problems dating back to the 1980s.
Bibeau herself developed Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome in 2017, a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to indoor air dampness. She noted that approximately 25% of those exposed develop this illness, which affects women more frequently than men.
Inspection reveals widespread problems
NIOSH began its evaluation in June 2022 following requests from union representatives and concerned employees. The federal agency conducted inspections in August 2022 and March 2023.
The report describes the academy campus as comprising 14 buildings on approximately 100 acres, housing about 420 employees and 1,100 cadets. The facilities include residence halls, dining areas, lecture halls, laboratories, and various student services.
Inspectors documented high indoor humidity levels in multiple buildings from 2011 through 2022. They observed condensation leaking from ventilation systems, ductwork, and water piping, with indoor air frequently above the dew point.
Faculty and staff departures linked to conditions
Christopher LaMonica, who left his position as a government professor in January after 15 years, cited the mold problem as a factor in his departure. He expressed frustration with the lack of communication about remediation plans.
"We were never even informed about what was going on," LaMonica said. "I kept asking what the plans were for remedying the problem and I never got a clear answer."
The union representing approximately 60 faculty members reportedly refused to address the academy's inaction on the mold issues, according to LaMonica. This left many employees feeling helpless about improving their working conditions.
Health concerns and recommendations
Employees reported numerous health problems, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome, autoimmune conditions, eye and throat irritation, chronic rhinitis, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, light sensitivity, endocrine problems, excessive sweating, short-term memory loss, and hearing issues.
The NIOSH report recommends specific actions to reduce moisture and humidity in basements and crawl spaces, maintain ventilation systems for optimal indoor air quality, and remediate moisture and mold-damaged materials.
Bibeau emphasized that the union plans to widely distribute the report throughout campus. "Potential hires need to know about the risks, as do the people who work there," she said.
