However, to date, no cause and effect relationship has been demonstrated between MVOCs and adverse health effects. The testing was performed to identify the source of odors on and 3 rd and 14 th floors, and to try to determine a possible cause for complaints and symptoms that were reported by some employees on the 14 th floor and on other floors. The test results indicated that there was microbial growth in these areas of the building. Since there was relatively little microbial growth in accessible areas of the ventilation systems, the results suggested that the microbial growth was hidden from view. The concern is that when conditions promote their growth within a building amplification can occur, which is the condition that was found.
Amplification can then present a risk of potential exposure to the occupants of the affected area.
To address the findings, all known microbial growth in the exterior wall cavities was removed under controlled conditions. The area on the 13 th floor appeared to be directly impacted from the water leak from the Liebert unit in the 14 th floor computer room above. The report also stated that there was no immediate health risk to employees on the 14 th floor, but that exacerbation of chronic effects experienced by occupants on that floor could not be precluded. NOAA's consultant offered a number of recommendations to address their findings including testing throughout the entire building. NWS staff also made a recommendation to determine the rate of building degradation to the point where there could be Building Related Illnesses.