A federally conducted investigation has uncovered alarming findings about indoor dampness and mold at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy that has reportedly made numerous employees sick.
According to Military.com, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released its final report last week documenting conditions that have persisted for years.
The report follows a yearslong evaluation that began in June 2022 after union representatives and concerned employees requested an investigation into indoor dampness, mold, and ventilation system maintenance issues in multiple buildings at the academy's New London, Connecticut campus.
Health Concerns Plague Academy Personnel
Susan Bibeau, president of Local 219 of the American Federation of Government Employees, expressed skepticism that academy officials would take meaningful action based on the report. She herself developed Dampness and Mold Hypersensitivity Syndrome in 2017, a respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to indoor air dampness.
The NIOSH report documented a range of health issues experienced by employees, including systemic inflammatory response syndrome, autoimmune conditions, eye and throat irritation, chronic rhinitis, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and even short-term memory loss. According to Bibeau, approximately 25% of those exposed to such dampness develop illness, with women affected more frequently than men.
Former professor Christopher LaMonica cited the mold problem as one reason he left the academy in January after 15 years. He described a frustrating lack of information and action from both academy officials and the faculty union regarding remediation plans.
Extensive Campus Problems Documented
NIOSH inspectors conducted site visits in August 2022 and March 2023, discovering evidence of high indoor humidity that had been documented in multiple buildings from 2011 through 2022. Their findings revealed concerning conditions throughout the campus infrastructure.
The agency observed "high indoor humidity levels; indoor air above the dew point; and condensation leaking from ventilation supply vents, duct work, and chilled water piping." These conditions created an environment conducive to mold growth that affected not only staff but potentially cadets as well.
The academy campus encompasses 14 buildings on approximately 100 acres, including residence halls, dining facilities, lecture halls, laboratories, and recreational areas. With about 420 employees and 1,100 cadets, the scale of potential exposure is significant.
Academy Response Falls Short
The Coast Guard Academy's external affairs office issued a statement Friday acknowledging they have been working since 2018 to address "the inherent challenges faced in historic buildings within a humid environment." They also claimed to have developed "an infrastructure development action plan" over the past two years.
However, union president Bibeau contends that academy officials have consistently denied the scope of the problems, which she says date back as far as the 1980s. She emphasized that the union would ensure widespread dissemination of the NIOSH report throughout the campus.
The NIOSH report recommends specific actions for reducing moisture and humidity in basements and crawl spaces, maintaining ventilation systems, and properly remediating moisture- and mold-damaged materials. The agency also urged academy officials to post the report in a prominent place accessible to employees for 30 days.
Federal Oversight Intensifies
The NIOSH has called for the establishment of a special health and safety committee comprising representatives of both employees and management to implement the report's recommendations. This suggests federal authorities recognize the seriousness of the situation and the need for structured oversight.
The academy stated that while infrastructure improvements are pending, they will "continue to employ the best mitigation and remediation practices to continue to support the safety of the entire Coast Guard Academy community." However, this response has done little to reassure critics.
Bibeau emphasized that potential new hires and current workers need to be aware of the health risks associated with the campus buildings. She also noted that cadets have become sick due to the mold and air-quality problems, expanding concerns beyond just staff welfare.
