July 22, 2002—In response to growing concern about the dangers of toxic mold and mildew, U.S. Representative John Conyers (D-MI) and 17 cosponsors introduced H.R. 5040, the United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act on June 27th.
Because there currently little information regarding the hazards of mold and at what level the mold would become toxic to building inhabitants, the bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish public health standards for mold before research on health impacts is complete.
The legislation also calls for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to develop model construction standards and techniques for preventing and controlling mold within new buildings. H.R. 5040 was referred to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary.
The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) issued a policy statement regarding the mold legislation stating that if any mold requirements are imposed, they must be reasonable, achievable, and based on sound research. BOMA International opposes any initiatives by federal, sate and local authorities to write model building coeds and standards regulating mold and moisture. “Building codes and standards designed to address mold and moisture should be developed through the industry standards consensus processes. The federal government should support the development of these standards through research and public education,” says a BOMA spokesperson.
