The Vermont Health Department says bacteria found inside the now-closed Bennington state office building could be responsible for the lung ailments suffered by some of the people who worked there.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Cort Lohff says the link between the bacteria and the incidence of sarcoidosis isn’t certain.
But he says the bacteria is known to cause some of the symptoms associated with the lung ailment.
The information was in a report released by the Health Department on Thursday.
The bacteria was found in samples taken from the building’s drainage system and carpets.
At least six current or former employees suffer from sarcoidosis.
The building was closed in April and workers are now housed in temporary offices.