(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A prisoner advocacy group claims inmates are being moved out of the Pontiac Correctional Center in Central Illinois because of a black mold infestation.
The mold has sent about 170 inmates from the medium security unit at Pontiac to the prison in Centralia, according to the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee. The group’s Colin Morrin said inmates have called the situation at Pontiac inhumane.
"They had a lot of black mold in the cell, in the showers."
Because of that, he said the inmates say the hot water was shut off – meaning no hot showers or meals and some are having health problems.
"They're experiencing respiratory issues-like coughing and phlegm. Stuff like that is making it more difficult to breathe the air."
Capital News Illinois reported that a Department of Corrections draft plan would close Pontiac’s medium security unit, because of 3.8 million dollars in deferred maintenance.
A corrections official told WBBM inmates were moved because of a lack of hot water and heat in the housing units, not due to mold.
IDOC Chief of Staff Camile Lindsay said the department does not plan to close the prison nor lay off any staff.
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