Could toxic mold exposure at work be mistaken for something as serious as Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)? In this episode, attorney Ryan Schnack shares his harrowing journey about how he became gravely ill from exposure to mold inside the courthouse where he worked. From shocking air test results showing mold at hundreds of times above safe levels to the disbelief and pushback he and his colleagues faced when speaking out, Ryan’s story reveals both the personal and professional toll of mold illness, as well as the systemic failures that allow unsafe public buildings to remain occupied and unremediated. His persistence not only led to groundbreaking legislation in Illinois, but also highlights the urgent need for stronger laws, proper testing and remediation, and grassroots advocacy to protect workers. This episode is a powerful reminder that safe indoor air should be a priority at work, just as much as at home.
Episode Highlights:
- How did Ryan get sick, and what made him realize his workplace was the cause? (4:01)
- How did people respond when Ryan said mold in the courthouse was making people sick? (13:11)
- What did the indoor environmental professional (IEP) find, and how did the county respond? (17:30)
- What is toxic tort? (25:03)
- What happened as a result of a second courthouse inspection? (26:52)
- What has Ryan’s experience been speaking out, knowing it could affect his career? (32:30)
- How is Ryan’s health after reducing exposure, and how have his relationships been affected? (41:28)
- What is Ryan’s message to employers and public building managers? (44:29)
- What first steps does Ryan recommend if someone suspects mold at work? (51:25)
Download the transcript here.
Links Mentioned in Interview:
Policy & Advocacy: https://changetheairfoundation.org/policy-advocacy/
Start Here tab: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-water-damage/
Toxic Classrooms: Improving Indoor Air Quality in Schools - Interview with Lisa Greenfield: https://changetheairfoundation.org/toxic-classrooms-improving-indoor-air-quality-in-schools/
Sick at School: How Toxic Mold Impacts Student Health - Interview with the Lee and Strezewski Families: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-how-toxic-mold-impacts-student-health/
Sick at School: A Teacher’s Battle Against Mold - Interview With Michelle Fisher: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-a-teachers-battle-against-mold/
Sick at School: How Toxic Mold Impacts Student Health: https://changetheairfoundation.org/sick-at-school-how-toxic-mold-impacts-student-health/
Mold In the Workplace: Vanessa’s Story – Interview With Vanessa Johnson: https://changetheairfoundation.org/mold-in-the-workplace-vanessas-story/?blm_aid=44928001
Seized by Mold: An HVAC Tech’s Recovery From Mold-Induced Seizures - Interview with AJ & Becky Callegan: https://changetheairfoundation.org/seized-by-mold-an-hvac-techs-recovery-from-mold-induced-seizures/Get in Touch with Our Guest:
Ryan’s website: https://www.ryanschnacklaw.com
Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
https://www.changetheairfoundation.org