Indoor Air Quality

While working at a shopping center, an employee of a janitorial company inadvertently mixed ammonia- and chlorine-based cleaning products. The mixture resulted in a toxic cloud of ammonia chloride that caused respiratory distress in dozens of shoppers and a shutdown of the center for a period of time. The contractor was held responsible for the defense of the bodily injury claims.

During a particularly heavy storm, rainwater gathered in a puddle on the roof of a condominium. Due to a clogged drain, the water level rose higher than the installed protective flashing and entered the drywall behind furniture. Over time, mold began to grow in the obscured area and was not discovered until odors were noticed, leading to a costly cleanup and the potential for bodily injury claims from tenants.

The tenant in Unit 5.A. was very proud of her collection of tropical plants and orchids. Unfortunately, the high temperatures and humidity levels that kept the plants healthy got carried away and resulted in significant mold growth behind the unit’s wallpaper. The mold eventually contaminated the entire building’s HVAC duct work with mycotoxins.

Guests at a newly completed hotel contracted legionella, which required serious medical treatment and hospitalization. The source of the legionella was attributed to faulty water system installation. The plumbing subcontractor and general contractor were held responsible for bodily injury associated with the outbreak.

An apartment complex had multiple confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease. As a result, state and city health departments required an investigation. Unfortunately, the legionella bacteria was confirmed and remediation deemed necessary. Remediation of the water system included the cleaning of water tanks and shock hyperchlorination. A secondary disinfection system was also installed. Additionally, enduse filters were added to showerheads/bath spigots, bottled water was provided to tenants and the complex owner put a modified water management program in place. To coordinate the matter and to interact with the health departments, defense counsel was retained. As the matter was highly publicized and featured on the news, a PR firm was hired to manage tenant and community interaction as well. Extensive post-remedial sampling followed.

The presence of legionella was detected in the hot water system of a resort property. The state health regulatory agency became involved and a qualified consultant was hired to investigate and remediate the property. A claim was made immediately for the remediation and what could have been an extensive and lengthy remediation process was completed efficiently.