Julie and Todd Chrisley were released from prison in late May after a shocking presidential pardon was issued. The former reality TV stars have made quick work of getting back in front of the public. With plans for a docuseries, hopes for a new reality TV series, and a podcast, they are more than happy to share their lives with fans. That includes discussing their time behind bars. Some of their confessions are light, others are more serious. Julie Chrisley recently claimed to have a “lung condition” that she acquired due to her prison surroundings. The Bureau of Prisons has responded.

Julie Chrisley claims to have a prison-acquired lung condition

Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley sat down for another Chrisley Confessions 2.0 episode. Last week, the pair discussed Julie’s post-prison hair; this week, she brought up something a bit more serious. Julie said that she thinks fans might notice that she sometimes has to stop speaking to take a breath. She said that her breathing troubles are due to a “lung condition” she developed while inside the prison walls. She went on to say she was breathing asbestos and black mold while housed at FMC Lexington, a federal medical lockup.

Asbestos is a group of silicate minerals made up of thin fibers. Asbestos was widely used in construction at one point because the fibers are resistant to heat, electricity, and corrosion. It was also commonly used for insulation and in various manufacturing processes. In 1975, it was classified as a carcinogen. It is banned in many countries, and even where it is not banned, its use is extremely limited. That does not mean Asbestos is no longer found; it’s most commonly seen in older buildings. The facility where Julie Chrisley was housed opened in 1935.

The Bureau of Prisons has issued a statement

While Julie insists that she has a “condition” from breathing in asbestos, her husband was careful to walk back her assertion. He noted that Julie had not been diagnosed by a doctor and was planning to see a pulmonologist to determine once and for all what was going on. Todd Chrisley emphasized that nothing had been diagnosed. Todd’s disclaimer was probably a good idea because everybody is listening.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons was quick to respond to Julie’s claims. The BoP told Us Weekly that their expressed goal is to maintain a safe and secure environment. Their statement said, “We take seriously our duty to protect the individuals entrusted in our custody.” The statement did not, however, confirm or deny the existence of asbestos or black mold in the facility where Julie Chrisley was housed for more than two years. Documents and previous lawsuits suggest that FMC Lexington does contain asbestos. A government contract for asbestos abatement at the facility was awarded this year.