Legislating Toxic Mold

[Guest guest]

http://www.house.gov/conyers/mold.htm

Congressman Conyers, Jr. Introduces

H.R. 1268: The United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act

( " The Melina Bill " )

The growth of " toxic mold " is becoming a problem of monumental

proportions. Exposure to mold growth in residential, public and

commercial buildings is believed to have caused serious medical

conditions which include bleeding lungs, digestive problems, hair loss,

nausea, loss of memory, reduced cognitive skills, and death. Property

damage from mold growth has destroyed millions of dollars in real

estate and forced homeowners to the curb. We cannot eliminate mold.

However, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the dangers of

indoor mold growth.

The United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act will mandate

comprehensive research into mold growth, create programs to educate the

public about the dangers of toxic mold, and provide assistance to

victims. In addition, the Act will generate guidelines for preventing

indoor mold growth, establish standards for removing mold when it does

grow, provide grants for mold removal in public buildings, authorize

tax credits for inspection and/or remediation of mold hazards, and

create a national insurance program to protect homeowners from

catastrophic losses. Taken as a whole, the Toxic Mold Safety and

Protection Act will attack indoor mold growth with good science, public

awareness, and tangible relief.

Home ownership is part of the American Dream, but for many toxic mold

has transformed that dream into a nightmare. It’s time to stop toxic

mold from robbing Americans of their health and their homes. If you are

concerned about the hazards of mold contact your congressional

representative and ask them to cosponsor and/or support the United

States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act.

Click here to the full text of the United States Toxic Mold Safety and

Protection Act

(Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader Required)

Major Provisions of the Bill

Title I - Research and Public Education

•The Bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers

for Disease Control (CDC) to examine the effects of different molds on

human health and develop accurate scientific information on the hazards

presented by indoor mold.

•The Bill directs EPA and the Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD) respectively, to establish guidelines that identify

conditions that facilitate indoor mold growth and measures that can be

implemented to prevent such growth. The guidelines will also address

mold inspection, testing, and remediation.

•The Bill asks EPA and HUD to establish guidelines for certifying mold

inspectors and remediators. The guidelines will help identify hazards

associated with inspection and remediation and the steps that should be

taken to minimize the risk to human health.

•The Bill authorizes programs to educate the public about the dangers

of indoor mold. An informed public with be in a better position to

avoid mold hazards, prevent mold growth and respond appropriately when

mold growth occurs.

Title II - Housing and Real Property Provisions

•The Bill requires mold inspections for multi-unit residential property

and mold inspections for all property that is purchased or leased using

funds that are guaranteed by the federal government. The Bill also

requires mold inspections in public housing.

•The Bill requires, to whatever extent possible, that local

jurisdictions modify building codes to minimize mold hazards in new

construction.

Title IV - Indoor Mold Hazard Assistance

•The Bill authorizes grants for mold removal in public buildings.

Title V - Tax Provisions

•The Bill authorizes tax credits for inspection and/or remediation of

mold hazards.

Title VI - National Toxic Mold Insurance Program

•The Bill creates a National Toxic Mold Insurance Program administered

by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to protect homeowners

from catastrophic losses. Many homeowners are finding that insurance

companies will not offer adequate coverage for mold.

Title VII - Health Care Provisions

•The Bill enables States to provide medicaid coverage to mold victims

who are unable to secure adequate health care.

For additional information contact Segal at (202) 225-5126

Congressional Seal.