BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) -- A plumbing repair issue at the Beaufort County Detention Center caused 53 inmates from one housing unit to be transferred to Charleston County’s Detention Center. However, a dozen or more inmates remain at the Beaufort County facility. The center is currently undergoing construction, and the remaining inmates have allegedly been confined to their dorms. According to the inmates, they are being exposed to dust and chemical fumes from the plumbing work, with no proper ventilation. The inmate's loved ones are now concerned about why they are still in these conditions. “We had concrete dust, gas fumes, muriatic acid and bleach fumes, and a jackhammer,” said one inmate on a recorded call shared with WSAV. “We were confined to the dorm with no ventilation, having to breathe this in all day.” Beaufort County officials explained that not all inmates were moved due to space constraints in other facilities. “The outside contractors that were doing the work came in and asked the head of maintenance, ‘Why are there inmates still in here? We can't work with them in here,’” the inmate reported. Family members have raised concerns that jail officials are violating the inmates' 8th Amendment rights by exposing them to harmful conditions that pose risk to their health and/or safety. “The food they were serving us... they give you your tray, and all the dust particles that are in the air are getting into our food,” the inmate said. “So, they said, either eat it or don’t eat.” Beaufort County officials did not confirm or deny whether the inmates were receiving proper ventilation or if their food was being affected. However, they did state that the remaining inmates have been moved to separate areas within the facility. Beaufort County hopes moving the inmates will resolve the issue. The construction is expected to last three weeks. We will keep you updated on any changes. ...read more read less