Here is a riddle for you: How can mold growing here on planet Earth, bring down planes flying in the sky? The answer: When it affects air traffic controllers.
The air traffic controllers of the Detroit Metropolitan Airport have been struggling with mold for almost five years now, and it’s affecting their work, which risks the lives of every plane that uses the airport.
Mold symptoms, even when they are not weakening, are still distracting. Air traffic controllers require absolute concentration to guide planes in and out of air space, and they can’t afford to be distracted by sneezing, itchy eyes, or sore throats. In 2004, before the mold problems were discovered, there were only 3 operational errors. Since 2005, after the mold was discovered, there have been 49 operational errors.
The saga of mold here is a long one, but includes the typical markers of an ongoing mold story. After enough employees complained about the mold, the FAA declared they were “taking care of it.” But even after supposed remediation was complete, the complaints still rolled in and the problem seems to have gotten worse as time passed. The air traffic controllers continue to ask for something to be done and the FAA continues to claim they are dealing with the problem.
Failing to effectively remove the mold is costing the airport more in the long run. On March 30 of this year, Robert Haefner became entitled to disability benefits for “chronic multisystem illness” due to the mold exposure. One of the examiners at his testimony reported that Haefner is “neurologically disabled” from working as an air traffic controller. Other plaintiffs have also sought workers’ compensation benefits. Haefner is also one of 20 air traffic controllers or spouses who filed a personal injury lawsuit.
On September 15, Congressman John Dingell released a statement saying that he would continue to hold the FAA to their responsibility of removing any remaining mold in the tower in a quick and responsible manner.
This, like most other mold stories, is an example of how a simple mold problem turned into an out-of-control legal and political nightmare. Some new methods of mold removal, like enzyme-based solutions, can remove mold safely and effectively within 48 hours. There is no reason mold remediation should take five years and cost this much to the company and the employees.
Will those in charge continue to drag their feet after an air traffic controller makes an error that causes a plane to crash due to mold?
Email This Post
Print This Post
You must log in to post a comment.