SACRAMENTO -- A lawsuit that is in the works claims that state government officials covered up a potential health hazard at a state building.

Four women claim that there is evidence that state government managers covered up the fact that mold was growing inside the state Board of Equalizations building.

The woman said photographs obtained by KCRA 3 show evidence of the cover-up, which could involve as many as 2,200 state employees and state government managers.

At issue is a state government memo admitting that two types of mold were discovered in the walls between the 22nd and 23rd floors. One type, stachybotrys, is considered toxic.

"I'm actually very sick about it. I didn't go to work because I'm sick to my stomach to think I sat there," said Wendey Schroeder, who works in the building.

The building in question is the same one that in years past has seen two inside water pipes break and had seven windows fall from upper floors. The women involved in the lawsuit said there also is evidence that managers within the Board of Equalization knew of the mold problem long ago but never told employees.

A lawsuit is being developed based on allegations of an intentional cover-up.

"It's pretty clear they were aware mold was likely to grow in that building," said Anthony Perez, an attorney for the state workers, who said that he believes dozens of state workers have ongoing health problems because of the building.

Officials from the Board of Equalization said air samples have repeatedly shown no danger to employees.

"There is no cover-up," said Board of Equalization spokeswoman Anita Gore. "We are going with the best information we have. Officials tell us the air is good. We have no problems. We have to believe that."

However, officials said Thursday that more mold has now been found.

"Today we sent home 100 people from the 24th floor. There was growth visible above the ceiling last night and that's what we found. We're investigating deep into the building," said Gore.

Board of Equalization worker Michelle Baetge said she has filed workers compensation claims based on her symptoms. She said she can't afford to quit her job.

"I've had headaches, rashes, nosebleeds and sinus problems," said Baetge.

She said there's probably mold throughout the building because of files and furniture that are moved around and share the air.

Baetge said reassurances from building managers did not convince her that there is not a cover-up.

"Why would they do that? I don't know. I guess they don't want to spend the money to fix it," said Baetge.

Many of the 2,200 workers still in the building are doubling up on lower floors.

State officials said KCRA 3 was not allowed to enter the building for safety reasons.