Scientists work to control indoor mold

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Scientists work to control indoor mold

Earthtimes.org

Author : Science News Editor

Category : Science (Technology)

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/80853.html

PITTSBURGH, PA* July 9

A U.S. research team has recommended various public policy

guidelines that could be used to control indoor mold contamination

in homes.

The study, conducted by Felicia Wu, Tom Biksey, Meryl Karol and

colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh compared policies for

regulation of mold with those previously developed to regulate two

other indoor environmental contaminants -- radon and lead.

While federal, state, and local agencies have policies and

regulations concerning radon and lead, few policies have been

developed for mold and no federal agency has congressional authority

to regulate or develop indoor mold policy, the study noted.

Based on lessons from radon and lead, the researchers recommend

policy approaches for controlling indoor mold that rely on building

and housing codes, maintenance and rehabilitation regulations, home

marketing incentives, and public education on moisture and mold

control.

" While it is not yet feasible to develop standards and regulations

for acceptable mold levels in the home, guidelines and policies can

be developed at the federal, state, and local levels to control

moisture and mold in homes, " the scientists said.

The study is to appear in the July 15 issue of the journal

Environmental Science and Technology.