- July 28, 2019
Phots of mold growth at Lackland Air Force Base dorms went viral after they were shared on an Air Force Facebook group page.
“It was gross to live in, but I didn’t suffer any health issues,” a veteran who wished to remain anonymous who was enlisted with the 3ssnd training squadron said.
The veteran said that weekly walkthroughs of the dorm were mandatory, but she alleges that issues that were cited often went unaddressed.
“Fill out a little paper and post it by whatever discrepancy it was and then turn it into the office. All of the time that I was there, never once was any issue fixed in any room I stayed in,” the anonymous servicewoman said.
The mold photos that were posted on Facebook prompted quick action by Air Force leadership. Brigade General Laura Lenderman issued a statement on Facebook that read, in part:
“As the JBSA Commander, guarding the health and safety of our servicemen and women is my top priority… Although we have proactively instituted safeguards and oversight to ensure our facilities meet standards, our efforts have fallen short… Our 502d Civil Engineering Group has begun to remove carpet, place dehumidifiers, replace furniture, and sanitize rooms severely impacted by mold.”
The commander of Lackland Air Force Base has opened up an investigation and has issued a review of all of the dorms on base.
Though mold is a naturally occurring substance that is all around us, and generally, it doesn’t cause issues when outdoors, when it begins to grow indoors, it can become problematic. Exposure to mold spores can cause a number of health problems, including nasal congestion, irritated eyes, congestion runny nose, cough, wheezing, memory loss, fatigue, and in severe cases, it can even cause organ damage and death. While those who suffer from pre-existing conditions, such as allergies, asthma, COPD, and compromised immune systems are most at-risk for suffering complications that are associated with mold exposure, anyone can develop problems.
Mold thrives in moist, warm locations. Once mold spores travel indoors – which they can through windows, doors, cracks in a building, and even on shoes and clothing – as long as the conditions are right, the spores can colonize and spread further. When that happens, adverse reactions can occur.
Mold Inspection & Testing San Antonio has vast experience performing mold assessments throughout San Antonio. We strongly recommend Lackland Air Force Base arrange for regular mold testing in their dorms and throughout other buildings on base to ensure the safety of servicemen and women. To speak with an MI&T representative, call 210.446.0912.
