24 February 2018

The microbiologist contracted to assess the mould in the Nauru immigration centre, [Dr Cameron Jones] says the contamination was “of epic proportions” and presented a serious health hazard to those in the camp, but that his report on the problem was covered up. Former staff...left with cognitive impairment and chronic lung infections after living and working in contaminated buildings...former teacher has said her career has been derailed by the ill-health she has suffered from her time on the island... 

The microbiologist...was contracted...in 2014 to assess the uncontrolled mould outbreak within the Australian-run Nauru regional processing centre, and to recommend ways to combat it. ... Camp managers seemed unwilling to adhere to international or Australian mould standards...The mould was a severe health hazard for those forced to live and work within the centre... The security regime was “extremely hostile” to [Jones'] presence... At least 330 refugees and asylum seekers, including 36 children, remain in mould-prone tents...