Laboratory/Spice Worker's Fungal Disease Found to be Caused by Workplace Exposure to Molds; Disability Benefits Awarded

DES MOINES, Iowa - An Iowa workers' compensation court has ruled that the fungal disease suffered by a laboratory/raw spices worker is caused by workplace exposure to molds, making her eligible for permanent partial disability benefits. Terri Mitchell v. Burns Philp Food, Inc./Tone Brothers, No. 5000468 (Iowa W.C.A.).

The workers' compensation court also found that the worker is eligible for healing period benefits and payment of medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of her chronic allergic fungal sinusitis caused by her workplace exposure to mold-contaminated organic materials.

According to the Dec. 31, 2002, decision, the worker in this …