Florida Courthouse Employees Sickened by Asbestos

May 31, 2006 - While Jacksonville’s Duval County Courthouse is being cleared of asbestos, construction workers wear protective gear, yet employees who work in the building aren’t being extended the same precautions and are being sickened, reports Jacksonville’s News 4. 

Employees working at the courthouse during the asbestos removal have reported excessive headaches and dizziness and many are going home early each day because they’re too sick to continue working.

Investigators for the local TV station noted that the city admitted to problems with the asbestos removal and stated that “there was a problem with chemicals seeping through the floor and ventilators were accidentally being turned off.” 

In the meantime, courthouse employees who view the hazard signs that say “respirators and protective clothing are required in this area” are wondering why no one is concerned about their well-being. 

“Headaches, nauseous, burning ears, burning throat, upset stomach ... and dizziness," said courthouse worker Susan Denney, describing the symptoms experienced by she and her fellow workers.

Though the area where the asbestos is being removed is sealed with plastic and duct tape, workers are wondering if it’s enough.  Furthermore, the work is scheduled to be done at night when the courthouse is empty, but removal workers have been seen toiling as late as 10:30 in the morning, when employees have already been in their offices for a few hours.

The city maintains, however, that no one’s health is in jeopardy.  "The employees are safe. We have an environmental consultant that is working with us on this project closely. The work today was checking the containment of the area. So, we are taking it very seriously," said Marci Cook of the Department of Public Works.