A damning report from the Michigan Department of Corrections reveals a stark reality about conditions at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility: widespread infrastructure failures, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold and poor air quality.
The internal assessment, which contradicts public claims that the facility poses little cause for concern, documents dozens of unresolved issues across various areas, including housing units, food service areas, tunnels, and mechanical spaces. Many of these problems are linked to humidity control, airflow, and water management.
Air-handling systems at Huron Valley are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed. In some areas, air handlers rely on obsolete pneumatic controls, while others operate without adequate return air or exhaust capacity, making humidity control difficult or impossible. The facility's aging steam and condensate lines, which run through the underground tunnel system, are particularly concerning, with mineral buildup lining nearly 300,000 square feet of pipes.
The report also highlights chronic problems with moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and long-neglected mechanical systems. Ceiling tiles in several areas are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart, conditions typically associated with prolonged moisture exposure.
Inmates have long reported respiratory problems, skin reactions, and other symptoms consistent with mold exposure due to poor air quality at the facility. Despite these documented issues, the Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley.
A federal judge has previously found that conditions at the prison may violate the Constitution, citing allegations that the mold has caused respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, rashes, dizziness, and fatigue. The judge's ruling stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed by inmates who allege the prison is operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed the issues. With more than $12 million in proposed repairs needed to address these problems, surface-level fixes such as painting over walls or replacing isolated ceiling tiles do not resolve mold issues when moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain unchecked.
The report's findings raise serious questions about the state's commitment to addressing environmental health conditions at Michigan's only women's prison.
The internal assessment, which contradicts public claims that the facility poses little cause for concern, documents dozens of unresolved issues across various areas, including housing units, food service areas, tunnels, and mechanical spaces. Many of these problems are linked to humidity control, airflow, and water management.
Air-handling systems at Huron Valley are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed. In some areas, air handlers rely on obsolete pneumatic controls, while others operate without adequate return air or exhaust capacity, making humidity control difficult or impossible. The facility's aging steam and condensate lines, which run through the underground tunnel system, are particularly concerning, with mineral buildup lining nearly 300,000 square feet of pipes.
The report also highlights chronic problems with moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and long-neglected mechanical systems. Ceiling tiles in several areas are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart, conditions typically associated with prolonged moisture exposure.
Inmates have long reported respiratory problems, skin reactions, and other symptoms consistent with mold exposure due to poor air quality at the facility. Despite these documented issues, the Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley.
A federal judge has previously found that conditions at the prison may violate the Constitution, citing allegations that the mold has caused respiratory infections, coughing, wheezing, rashes, dizziness, and fatigue. The judge's ruling stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed by inmates who allege the prison is operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed the issues. With more than $12 million in proposed repairs needed to address these problems, surface-level fixes such as painting over walls or replacing isolated ceiling tiles do not resolve mold issues when moisture sources, ventilation failures, and building envelope defects remain unchecked.
The report's findings raise serious questions about the state's commitment to addressing environmental health conditions at Michigan's only women's prison.
. I've been living in these parts for a hot sec and it's no secret that our prisons have some major issues. Like, come on, 12 million bucks is a small price to pay when you're talking about people's health and safety, right? 
. I mean, who needs mold exposure as a chronic condition, am I right? 
It's not like it'll kill anyone or anything... probably.
. Like, painting over walls and replacing ceiling tiles isn't gonna cut it when you've got a real issue with humidity control and ventilation failures 
. Maybe now they'll take it more seriously... or maybe not 
they deserve way better than being exposed to mold and poor air quality all day every day it's crazy that the department of corrections has been downplaying these issues for years despite inmates reporting symptoms like respiratory problems and skin reactions. i mean, we know how important good ventilation is for our health, let alone in a prison where people are already struggling with mental health and trauma. and $12 million doesn't even go to fixing the real problems 
it's like they're just throwing some surface-level fixes at the issue without really addressing the root causes. i hope something changes soon and those inmates get the treatment they deserve 
THE FACT THAT THERE ARE WIDESPREAD INFRASTRUCTURE FAILURES AND POOR AIR QUALITY AT THE WOMEN'S HURON VALLEY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IS COMPLETELY ALARMING!!! 
I MEAN, WHO SERVES INMATES IN THESE CONDITIONS?!?! IT'S LIKE THEY'RE PUTTING THEIR LIVES AT RISK FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER. THE FACT THAT INMATES HAVE BEEN REPORTING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS AND OTHER SYMPTOMS CONSISTENT WITH MOLD EXPOSURE BECAUSE OF THE POOR AIR QUALITY IS JUST HEARTBREAKING. 
I DOUBT THAT SURFACE-LEVEL FIXES LIKE PAINTING OVER WALLS OR REPLACING CEILING TILES WILL EVER RESOLVE THE REAL ISSUES HERE. WE NEED TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS AND MAKE SURE THAT INMATES ARE TREATED WITH THE DIGNITY AND CARE THEY DESERVE!!! 
. It's not just about fixing some ceiling tiles or painting over walls, it's about addressing the root problems with humidity control, airflow, and water management 
.
. It's time for some real change, not just lip service 
.
like how can u expect ppl 2 breathe easy when u got that kinda stuff goin on 
, it's not just about fixing some roofs or ceiling tiles, it's about creating a safe and healthy environment for those women 
. The fact that the facility is relying on outdated systems and neglecting maintenance is a total recipe for disaster 
. I mean, think about all those poor inmates who are suffering from respiratory issues and other health problems due to the mold and bad air quality... it's just heartbreaking 
. I mean, $12 million in repairs needed and no one seems to care... it's just not right. The fact that they knew about these issues internally but still downplayed them is super suspicious. What's really going on behind closed doors? Shouldn't we be prioritizing our prisoners' health & wellbeing over some budget constraints? 
The fact that the inmates have been reporting respiratory problems for years and no one has done anything about it is unacceptable. It's not just a matter of fixing some ceiling tiles, it's about creating a safe environment for everyone inside those walls. 
And the air quality? Forget about it. It's no wonder people are getting sick. I mean, who wants to live in a damp, stuffy environment that can make you feel like crap? Not me, that's for sure.
I don't know what kind of excuses MDOC officials have coming up with, but this report says it all: these problems need to be addressed ASAP.
The proposed repairs might be a good start, but it's not enough – we need more comprehensive solutions that address the root problems. And what about the inmates who have been suffering from respiratory issues and other symptoms due to mold exposure? It's just heartbreaking 
Are they being taken seriously by the authorities? And what's with all these proposals for repairs that are just cosmetic fixes? Where's the real investment in addressing the underlying issues? 
. It's like, what took them so long to notice these issues anyway? And now we're left with a prison where inmates are suffering from respiratory problems and stuff... it's just not right 
.
