Hi everyone!
I live in a building in Rio where the portario's washroom is in a horrible state. The space has no ventilation, cracked tiles all around and unsealed walls. No sink other than a shower unit where shower water is collected in a bucket to flush the toilet and wash his hands.
My apt shares two walls with the portario's washroom space. Last year, I began to notice parts of my wall beginning to crack and peel and a couple of months ago, I started to see black mold coming in through the base in one section of the wall. This wall is where my bed is. I used a bleach solution to clean off the mold but it continues to grow back. I was also beginning to cough more, especially at night and continue to do so.
I talked to the Sindíca about this and suggested that the portario's washroom might be the cause. She listened and said she would look into it. After a couple of months, I asked about the status. She told me the person who can fix the washroom is too busy and there is no date to when they would be available. This was not an answer I was expecting.
The portario told me the building has no money to fix the washroom. He mentioned his washroom was discussed in two assembly meetings and each time, the Sindíca says they have no money. The portario has asked for the bathroom to be fixed for 10 years now.
I want to help him out. And of course solve my situation. Being an employee of the building, does the building (the employer) not need to meet some kind of standard for an employee washroom. Is there a public health agency that can be called to inspect the washroom ? ( on the employees behalf). I am thinking it might indirectly put some pressure on the building to fix the washroom.
Does anyone have another suggestion or direction I can explore. And does anyone know the name of the health agency in Rio I can contact.
Appreciate any help.
Thank you.