Court of Appeals Affirms Award of Benefits Based on Exposure to Dust or Mold at Work
The court in United Heartland and Camanche Community School District v. Brown, No. 14-1070 (Iowa App. April 8, 2015) concluded that claimant's allegations that she suffered a respiratory injury due to exposures to dust and mold in the classroom were supported by substantial evidence. The court affirmed the commissioner's decision that claimant had suffered a compensable injury. Claimant was a teacher who taught in a windowless room with little ventilation. In 2000, she developed severe bronchitis and missed school due to lung ailments. Because of this, she was assigned to a different classroom. She stayed in that classroom for nine years, until her employment ended. Claimant described that room and other rooms in the school as filthy and she battled repeated bronchial infections, asthma and sinus infections. These maladies would remit over the summer when she was away from school. Testing showed fungal growth and a hygienist suggested the school conduct...