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AB 284; Enacted: 01-01-02
Summary: Directs a review panel to review issues related to fungal contamination of indoor environments.
SB 662; Enacted: 01-01-02
Summary: Makes technical changes to provisions of state law directing
the State Air Resources Board to study environmental conditions (including
toxic mold) of portable classrooms.
SB 732; Enacted: 01-01-02
Summary: The Toxic Mold Protection Act.
Federal Legislation - "The Melina Bill"
The "Melina Bill" is considered a landmark bill that could have a major impact on Air Quality consultants, inspectors and remediators.
The bill, also known known as the United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act, (HR 5040), is the first federal legislation to address indoor mold contamination. It empowers the CDC and EPA to conduct research determining health effects of mold. It also directs HUD and the EPA to develop guidelines related to mold investigation and remediation including the certification of inspectors.
Major Provisions include:
(The complete bill can be downloaded from www.house.gov.)
Title I - Research and Public Education
The Bill directs the U.S. 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 will be in a better position to avoid mold hazards, prevent mold growth, and respond to 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 guaranteed by the federal government. The Bill also requires mold inspections in public housing.
The Bill requires 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 I! nsurance 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 secure adequate health care.
(The complete bill can be downloaded from www.house.gov.)
Reprinted with permission from the July 2002 edition of Indoor Environment Connections newspaper. For subscription information, visit www.ieconnections.com
