The building at 25 Sigourney St. in Hartford

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Report: state office building is safe for workers

January 18, 2006, 7:09 AM EST

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/connecticut/ny-bc-ct--

sickbuilding0118jan18,0,6230677.story?coll=ny-region-apconnecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)_ A report prepared for Gov. M. Jodi Rell has

concluded that a state office building in Hartford is

environmentally safe for state employees, but should be made safer.

The building at 25 Sigourney St. in Hartford has been plagued by

mold, water and air quality problems and houses about 1,200 state

employees.

Governor M. Jodi Rell Tuesday received the report from the

Department of Public Works and an expert, independent building

science firm, outlining steps to take to improve conditions in the

building.

Rell directed DPW to begin implementing the report's recommendations

to further improve the buildings environment, including the

installation of ventilation systems for copy/print centers in the

building and a renewed effort to eliminate mold in the duct work.

The report shed new light on air-quality issues at the building

including the previously unidentified improper ventilation of the

high-capacity photocopy/printer machines in the facility. Fumes from

the print shops vents into the building's upper floors, where

employee complaints about air quality have been concentrated.

DPW Commissioner T. Fleming said that his department has

retained a consultant to begin addressing the print shop ventilation

issues and said that steps are already being taken to eliminate any

mold in the duct work.

The state has already spent about $8 million to correct problems,

including mold and moisture abatement, carpet and drywall

replacement, dust reduction, air filter replacements and other

measures.