Michigan's Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility is facing a toxic crisis, and the state's own report has exposed a multitude of problems that contradict public claims of safe conditions.
The Michigan Department of Corrections' internal assessment reveals widespread infrastructure failures that create an ideal environment for mold to grow and spread. The report highlights issues with aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems.
The facility's air-handling systems are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed, making humidity control challenging. Multiple rooftop air-conditioning units are listed as being at or beyond the end of their service life, with some units no longer operational. Temporary window units have been used in place of central air systems, which can exacerbate indoor air quality issues.
The report also identifies sources of moisture entering or persisting within buildings, including compromised roof drains, leaking roofs, deteriorated steam and condensate lines, and failing plumbing components. Ceiling tiles are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart in several areas, indicating prolonged exposure to moisture.
Health experts warn that surface-level fixes, such as painting over walls or replacing isolated ceiling tiles, do not resolve mold problems when underlying issues like ventilation failures and building envelope defects remain.
The Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, despite documented evidence of widespread mold growth and respiratory problems among incarcerated women. A federal judge even found that the facility's conditions may violate the Constitution due to the severe impact of mold on inmates' health.
In July 2025, a federal lawsuit was filed against the MDOC, alleging that the prison is operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity, putting the health and safety of incarcerated women at risk. The judge's ruling highlights the need for immediate action to address the facility's mold problems and ensure a safe environment for all inmates.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed them. It is now clear that the state's claims of safe conditions at Huron Valley are nothing more than a facade, hiding a toxic crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
The Michigan Department of Corrections' internal assessment reveals widespread infrastructure failures that create an ideal environment for mold to grow and spread. The report highlights issues with aging HVAC systems, moisture intrusion, failing ventilation, deteriorating building materials, and neglected mechanical systems.
The facility's air-handling systems are outdated, difficult to regulate, or no longer functioning as designed, making humidity control challenging. Multiple rooftop air-conditioning units are listed as being at or beyond the end of their service life, with some units no longer operational. Temporary window units have been used in place of central air systems, which can exacerbate indoor air quality issues.
The report also identifies sources of moisture entering or persisting within buildings, including compromised roof drains, leaking roofs, deteriorated steam and condensate lines, and failing plumbing components. Ceiling tiles are described as rusted, sagging, perforated, or falling apart in several areas, indicating prolonged exposure to moisture.
Health experts warn that surface-level fixes, such as painting over walls or replacing isolated ceiling tiles, do not resolve mold problems when underlying issues like ventilation failures and building envelope defects remain.
The Department of Corrections has repeatedly downplayed concerns about environmental health conditions at Huron Valley, despite documented evidence of widespread mold growth and respiratory problems among incarcerated women. A federal judge even found that the facility's conditions may violate the Constitution due to the severe impact of mold on inmates' health.
In July 2025, a federal lawsuit was filed against the MDOC, alleging that the prison is operating under a state of degradation, filth, and inhumanity, putting the health and safety of incarcerated women at risk. The judge's ruling highlights the need for immediate action to address the facility's mold problems and ensure a safe environment for all inmates.
The assessment shows that many of the facility's most serious infrastructure problems were known internally before MDOC officials downplayed them. It is now clear that the state's claims of safe conditions at Huron Valley are nothing more than a facade, hiding a toxic crisis that demands immediate attention and action.
. They're literally saying one thing but the report is showing another whole thing. It's all so messed up. And now a lawsuit has been filed because of it? It's crazy that people have to go through this just because they're locked up. Can't we do better than this? I mean, how hard is it to keep the air clean and dry in a prison? 
The state's report is basically saying they knew all along this was a huge problem but they just ignored it and now their inmates are suffering the consequences 
. It's not just about painting over walls or replacing ceiling tiles, it's about fixing the underlying ventilation problems and making sure the whole building isn't a breeding ground for mold 
. I mean, how can you ignore the health of your prisoners like that? 
The judge is right, they need to take immediate action to fix this and make sure everyone is safe and healthy 
.
those women deserve way better than being locked up in a place with mold everywhere it's like they're already punished enough 
the fact that the gov't is trying to downplay this and make it sound all safe and whatever is just so frustrating 
i'm literally shaking thinking about it, how are we supposed to trust that they're doing anything to fix this and actually care about the inmates' health? 
Not me, for sure. The fact that health experts are saying surface-level fixes won't work and that we need to tackle the underlying issues is just common sense. We gotta get this sorted out ASAP so these women can get some real support. 
. I mean, how can you ignore these serious issues? It's not like they're trying to sweep it under the rug or anything 
. They've got experts saying that surface-level fixes aren't gonna cut it and that they need to fix the underlying problems ASAP 
. And on top of that, there's a federal lawsuit being filed because of all these health issues? That's just wild 
. I don't think anyone can blame the inmates for being upset about this situation. It's like, how are you supposed to take care of people when your own facilities are failing them so badly? 
The fact that they knew about these problems months ago and still kept saying everything was fine is just crazy 
.
this is just heartbreaking I cant believe the state is being so reckless with people's health. like seriously, who puts a temporary window unit in place of a functioning air con system? 
it's crazy how the state knows about all these problems internally but still tries to downplay them 
but seriously tho, it's crazy that they were aware of the problems years ago and still chose to sweep them under the rug (or should i say, on top of the mold? 
) guess this is what they mean by "inmates" gettin' a little too cozy with their own bodily functions 
. multiple roofs are leaking and water is just pouring in everywhere 
️. health experts say surface-level fixes won't cut it - you gotta fix the underlying problems 
. this whole thing reeks of cover-ups 
. why did the state ignore all these problems in the first place? was it just to keep the status quo and avoid making any real changes? 
. When will officials listen? 
I mean, come on, it's like they're trying to play dumb here. The report is pretty damning, with all these infrastructure failures creating an environment ripe for mold growth. And don't even get me started on the air-handling systems being outdated and no longer functioning as designed. It's not exactly rocket science to see how that would lead to indoor air quality issues. 
... the fact that they knew about all these problems internally but just pretended everything was fine is so messed up 
... I don't get it.