Hundreds of officers report illnesses

In early October 2025, the City of West Palm Beach was confronted with a startling occupational‑health crisis: more than 100 police officers filed injury reports alleging they became ill after prolonged exposure to mold in their downtown headquarters. The number of affected officers represents roughly a third of the department’s sworn positions. An inspection of the three‑story building and its basement revealed 41 different areas contaminated with mold or foul odors, including multiple command‑staff offices, hallways, storage rooms and mechanical spaces. Many officers complained of chronic respiratory issues, persistent coughs, sneezing, and chest tightness, while others reported cognitive difficulties, skin irritation and fatigue. A handful of officers attributed serious ailments such as strokes, autoimmune disorders and hypertension to the mold.

Faced with mounting pressure from the Fraternal Order of Police and a public records request, city officials agreed to provide comprehensive medical evaluations and treatment for affected employees. Human‑resources managers circulated an internal message assuring officers that the city would cover medical costs and encouraged anyone with symptoms to seek help. At the same time, the city undertook a $6 million maintenance project to fix long‑standing structural issues, remove the mold and renovate the aging facility. Officials insist the building remains safe for occupancy during remediation, but the union remains concerned about potential long‑term health impacts and the pace of repairs.

Why mold presents a serious business risk

Mold contamination is not just an inconvenience, it can be a significant liability for employers and property owners. Mold spores thrive in moist environments and can proliferate inside walls, HVAC systems, and poorly ventilated spaces. Once established, they can trigger a host of health problems, from allergic reactions and asthma‑like symptoms to neurological and immune‑system disorders. In the case of West Palm Beach, the contamination went unnoticed until dozens of employees were already sick, forcing the city to address medical claims and undertake extensive remediation.

The potential costs associated with mold contamination include:

• Medical evaluations and ongoing health care – Employees exposed to mold may require immediate treatment and long‑term monitoring, which employers must pay for under workers’ compensation laws. Chronic conditions linked to mold can lead to higher premiums and long‑term disability claims.
• Remediation and building repairs – Identifying and eliminating mold often requires demolishing affected materials, improving ventilation, and repairing plumbing or structural issues. These projects can reach millions of dollars, particularly in large or historic buildings.
• Business interruption – Workspaces may need to be closed temporarily, relocating staff to other facilities or to remote work. In West Palm Beach, relocating critical departments while keeping police services running presented logistical challenges.
• Legal and reputational exposure – Employees may sue if they believe the employer ignored complaints or failed to maintain safe working conditions. Negative media coverage can erode public trust and damage an organization’s reputation.

Pollution insurance: an essential safeguard

Standard commercial property and general liability policies often exclude or limit coverage for mold and other environmental contaminants. A dedicated pollution liability policy (sometimes called an environmental impairment liability policy) is designed to fill that gap by covering cleanup costs, third‑party bodily injury claims and legal expenses arising from contamination. For public agencies and private businesses alike, carrying such coverage can mean the difference between a manageable incident and a financial crisis.

Key features of a robust pollution policy include:

• Cleanup and remediation coverage – Reimburses the insured for the cost of removing mold and contaminated materials, repairing building systems, and testing to confirm remediation success.
• Third‑party liability coverage – Pays for claims alleging bodily injury or property damage due to mold exposure, including medical costs and settlements.
• Defense costs – Covers legal fees and court expenses associated with defending against lawsuits related to contamination.
• Business interruption and extra expense – Provides compensation for lost revenue and the additional costs of operating from an alternate location during repairs.

Lessons for facility managers and contractors

The West Palm Beach case offers valuable lessons to municipalities, property managers, and contractors involved in building maintenance and renovation:

1. Conduct regular inspections – Mold issues often start with leaks, poor ventilation or condensation. Routine inspections of roofing, plumbing and HVAC systems can identify problems before they turn into health crises.
2. Respond swiftly to complaints – Employees who notice water stains, musty odors or health symptoms should have a clear way to report issues. Timely investigation and remediation can prevent problems from spreading.
3. Budget for preventive maintenance – Deferred maintenance is a leading contributor to environmental hazards. Allocating funds for infrastructure upgrades and preventive measures can avoid much larger repair and liability costs later on.
4. Assess your insurance coverage – Review existing policies with an insurance professional to determine whether mold‑related claims are covered. Consider adding or updating a pollution liability policy to ensure adequate protection.

Conclusion

The sudden discovery of widespread mold contamination at West Palm Beach’s police headquarters is a sobering reminder that environmental hazards can lurk unnoticed for years, jeopardizing employee health and straining public resources. As municipalities and businesses face aging infrastructure and tight budgets, proactive maintenance and robust insurance coverage are essential tools for managing these hidden risks. Organizations that monitor their buildings, respond to early warning signs and invest in pollution coverage will be better prepared when the next environmental crisis strikes.