PITTSBURGH, PA— The United Steelworkers Union is calling for testing and cleaning in paper mills across the country, after a fungal infection killed a worker at the Billerud mill in Escanaba.
The blastomycosis outbreak has sickened 97 others, 12 of which were hospitalized. Health officials say all who contracted the infection either worked at, were contracted by, or visited the Billerud mill.
United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway says rather than waiting to see if cases develop at other mills, officials need to be proactive and institute safeguards now. The union says it’s working with management and national health and safety officials to determine the precise source of the outbreak and ensure workers receive appropriate treatment.
The Escanaba mill is currently idled as the plant undergoes in-depth cleaning.
The fungus that causes blastomycosis is typically found in soil and decaying wood.
