Employees at a state health care facility are reporting an abnormal number of respiratory problems. The Geneva County Health Department director believes it's due to a mold build-up inside the building.

Registered Nurse Ann Dillard is an employee at the Geneva County Health Department. She's been diagnosed with several respiratory issues. However, the problem dissipates over the weekend when she's not at work.

Miss Dillard believes high levels of mold found in the building are the culprit. "My eyes burn. I can hardly breath. By the weekend it's not bad, but during the week it gradually gets worse," she says.

Catherine Knight reports similar problems with the mold. Work crews clean it in the morning, but it's clearly visible several hours later. "I couldn't stay in this room,” she says. “It literally became unbearable to breath in here."

A registered nurse who works here says she is constantly battling sinus infections, and other ailments she believes is tied to the mold

Director Peggy Blakeney said, “We hope to solve this problem sooner than later for the sake of our employees. And, to make sure that they have a safe working environment to be in."

Mrs. Blakney believes there are two possible solutions: build a new health department, or perform a major overhaul of the building to get to the cause, an excessive moisture build-up.

Mrs. Blakney addressed the mold problem before the Geneva County Commission.

At this time, the board has not decided what course of action it might take.