Durbin, Duckworth, House Democrats Demand Feds Fix Legionella Problem at Loop Buildings
Letter to Government Services Administration Calls for Timeline to Remediation
Concerns About Health and Safety
U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth and nine members of Congress have sent a letter to the Government Services Administration (GSA) demanding a timeline for ridding three downtown Chicago buildings and a courthouse in Rockford of Legionella and harmful metals in drinking water. The letter, sent on Tuesday evening, highlights serious health and safety concerns at the affected buildings.
Affected Buildings
The three Loop buildings – Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, and Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse – have Legionella and, in some cases, traces of lead or copper that exceed safe levels set by the government. The Metcalfe building also includes a children’s daycare that detected Legionella and lead. In addition, the Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse Building in Rockford was also found to have Legionella above safe levels.
Health Risks
The lawmakers emphasize the health risks associated with exposure to Legionella, which can cause severe pneumonia, and elevated levels of lead and copper, which are linked to potential liver and kidney damage as well as neurological disorders. Studies show that children, in particular, are impacted by lead.
Questions and Demands
The lawmakers have posed several questions to the GSA, including:
* Details on protecting health, particularly children, in the buildings
* An expected date for remediation
* How the federal agency is protecting workers against airborne Legionella particles, a specific concern raised by EPA employees
* How the GSA is addressing the grievances filed by employees who are concerned about their health due to the contamination
GSA Response
The Government Services Administration has not responded to requests for updates over the past few weeks.
Conclusion
The letter from Durbin, Duckworth, and House Democrats highlights the urgent need for the GSA to address the Legionella problem in the affected buildings. The lawmakers are demanding a timeline for remediation and increased transparency on the steps being taken to protect the health and safety of federal employees and visitors.
FAQs
Q: Which buildings are affected by Legionella?
A: The Ralph H. Metcalfe Federal Building, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building, Everett M. Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, and Stanley J. Roszkowski U.S. Courthouse Building in Rockford.
Q: What are the health risks associated with Legionella?
A: Exposure to Legionella can cause severe pneumonia.
Q: What are the health risks associated with elevated levels of lead and copper?
A: Elevated levels of lead and copper are linked to potential liver and kidney damage as well as neurological disorders.
Q: What is the Government Services Administration doing to address the contamination?
A: The GSA has not publicly disclosed its plans or timeline for remediation.
