Workers in Michigan suffering as a result of asbestos, other hazardous materials in their workplaceBattle Creek, Michigan - In the state of Michigan, employees of the Calhoun County Department of Human Services are finally speaking out to their union representatives about their fears about air quality in their workplace. Nearly thirty workers have complained of burning lungs, coughs, headaches, nose bleeds, and aching eyes; and yet officials have repeatedly told them that their workplace is safe.
In August, DHS workers first complained of dirt and metal shavings falling from the overhead air ducts. Testing revealed that this debris did contain fiberglass particles, but county officials say the particles do not pose a threat to air quality because they are large enough to stay in place once they have landed on a hard surface.
"They are meeting the standard and we can't fight them on that," Caroline Ross, a health and safety representative with the United Auto Workers State Employees Local 6000. However, Ross does think that it is possible that small bits of fiberglass could be causing the burning sensation.
"We do not know what is in their air that is making you sick," Ross told workers.
Others have suggested that the lung complaints might be related to airborne asbestos particles, which can cause everything from scarring of the lungs (known as pleural plaques) to lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer. Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year.
Ross does not believe that asbestos is an issue, although the material is present in pipe insulation in the building.
Kelli Scott, county administrator/controller, told reporters, "Nobody's disputing the validity of their symptoms," she said. "What we are saying is all we can do is scientific tests of the air."
"This isn't over," one union official said. "We're not going to stop until it is identified and confirmed."
"We are not giving up on them," Scott added. "We will continue to work toward whatever it takes so everybody believes they are safe."
