SBS and Fibromyalgia

[tracymcc2001]

I have Cervical Stenosis (fusion), DDD, Fibro, CFS, RLS, GERD, and found cancer polyp during my colonscopy, but the cancer hadn't spread into the stem, but if not detected, I would of most likely died of colon cancer because I was only 43 when I had the colonoscopy, due to stomach problems had an ultrasound where the polyp was caught, but if I would of waited to have my first colonoscopy at 50 as recommended, it most likely wouldn't of been found.

All of these diagnoses have been since 2006!  I am wondering if anyone knows the relation to Fibro and Sick Building Syndrome, since 2005, 5 people from my department of under 100 people have died, I know 2 were cancer, 2 not sure and the last one was just over a week ago, a close co worker who was 28 years old, we both started the same day back in 2004, and she had become ill, with crohn's disease and asthmas since working in this building, she had an autopsy, but was inconclusive, she went in her sleep???

I am very concerned, I have never worked with so many people who have died or are ill, we also have 3 people from that same department who have cancer, 41, 51 and 63 years of age!!!

I have sent a letter to my manager and supervisor of my concerns, I am now in a different department but still in the same building, there are to many warning signs for me not to be concerned about the air quality of this building.

Can anyone help me on how to find out more information on the SBS?


This discussion is related to Does anyone has cervical problems (neck).

[tracymcc2001]

Thank you for your comment, I still haven't contacted OSHA, but my supervisor and manager have my letter that I sent, but it hasn't gone any further, they are hoping I will forget it, but I can't, I'm just trying to make sure my steps aren't going to jeporadize myself, I appreciate the feed back on this, and I take this serious, even if my company is not.

[dustybrown]

Hello,
I cannot believe what has happened to you and the people at your company. I am very sorry for you and your colleagues. Has the health department or OSHA ever been contacted at all about these incidents? That might be a place to start at your local level if they haven't been talked to. I think there is definitely more than a coincidence going on here. I would also contact an attorney as concerned621 mentioned to get some advice at the very least- they would definitely know what direction to point you in.

I am wondering if anyone has ever documented any of these cases? Do your managers know?  Do you have friend or co-workers at work or even at home who would be willing to make a statement? I know it would be a risky thing- especially since everyone's jobs are so valuable these days, but if there is something toxic or extremely hazardous at that workplace I would think it really needs to be uncovered. I also agree with concerned621 that you should consider finding a new job too if you can. That environment is not safe. Do what you can though. Life is tough right now. Keep us updated for sure and good luck to you.
-Dusty

[concerned621]

Please do not drop this. This is serious and it's sad that but often times business know about the problem and ignore it because of the problem.  I am positive the apartments we lived in knew of the problem. After I moved they started tearing parts of the building apart and re-painting. They were doing a quick fix.  So many people today, me included have environmental chemical sensitivity and I believe part of the reason is all that we are exposed to in the work place.  
The fact that you have documented cases of cancer, immune issues, and death I would see an attorney.  I would also consider leaving there. I know how hard jobs are to come by but speak with the attorney about suing for damages.  
Trust me your superiors will try at every turn to make you feel you are wrong, they may even intimidate you.  Employment issues come in this situation as well so it can't hurt to get a consultation with an attorney.  Also is there a way to look in to public records of  any issues with that building?

I wish you the best and I commend you for stepping up. It's never easy to take anyone on especially where we work.  

[tracymcc2001]

Thank you so much for your advise and just agreeing with me that this could be a serious problem.  There are others that feel the same way I do, but are scared to say anything.

I just can't sit here and do nothing, back in 2006 I did go to my then manager and said that 3 of us had all been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, and if we could have a air quality test, she wasn't real thrilled with me asking that, and wanted to know the names of the other 2 people, (which it wasn't my place to give them to her), but they did give me permission to say there were 2 other people with this dx.  Nothing happened, and I didn't pursue it, and now I'm kicking myself for not following through.

I also didn't mention that when this building housed Doctors offices, which was within the 5 years that I've worked in it, that there were 7 people who were employed by the Doctors offices, and 4 were in one office and all died of cancer.

I am following through this time, i will go the route of asking for an air quality test, but also look into other avenues as you suggested.

Thank you again.

[concerned621]

Several years ago I worked in a building and specifically in an office that made me feel sick all the time. Then in an apartment where mold was such an issue both my son and myself were so ill but I could not prove it.  In talking to other residents so many were experiencing the same issues.  
Your situation is very serious and does not sound right. Especially given the age of each of you that got so ill.  It might be worth talking to an attorney.  Your employer may move you but most likely will cover up if there is a problem. So pursuing this further is the best thing so that nobody else suffers if it is in fact the building making you all so sick.
I'm very sorry.  
Can I ask if you had any symptoms of the polyp?

You should contact these organizations:

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
www.ashrae.org/  
1791 Tullie Circle, NE,
Atlanta, Georgia 30329

Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International
1101 15th St., NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
e-Mail: ***@****
www.boma.org  

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