Molds found inside public safety building

By George P. Hassett

Molds causing various respiratory illnesses have been found at the Somerville Police headquarters, said Patrolmen’s Union President Jack Leutcher today.

The molds found in the station have also been known to cause asthma and bronchitis, said a source close to the lawsuit.

The tests were conducted last winter and paid for by plaintiffs and unions for police, firefighters and 911 operators. More tests will be conducted as the weather becomes warmer, because the cold negatively affects the level of molds, said a source associated with the plaintiffs.

Leutcher said DNA from the molds would be examined to find out if they caused specific illnesses commonly found in employees who work in the building.

"We still have men and women in this building exposed to these molds on a daily basis. Joe Curtatone knows this is a dangerous building and every politician in the city knows too," Leutcher said.