July 16, 2003—Judging by the numbers and types of indoor air quality (IAQ) related bills passed during this year’s state legislative sessions, indoor mold still reigns as the IAQ issue of most concern to U.S. state legislators; in particular regulating the licensing of people involved in mold assessment and remediation. Bills that targeted school IAQ did not fare as well, however.
Aerias, an online resource for IAQ information and education, has recently posted this year’s legislative winners and losers. Aerias also features an in-depth overview of the nearly 60 pieces of IAQ- related legislation considered this year by 27 state legislatures, with additional updates to be published throughout the year.
About 25% of this year’s proposed bills thus far have passed and either have been signed into law or on their way, and about 10% have failed. The rest are working their way through various committees or are making their way to the floor.
With respect to indoor mold, eight states have passed legislation with four of the ten bills addressing licensing of mold assessors and remediators. Efforts have been made to exempt certified industrial hygienists from mold remediation license requirements, which so far have not been successful. Texas can claim the most success, with the passage of three indoor mold- related bills.
Connecticut and Tennessee each passed legislation to improve indoor air quality in schools. Connecticut House Bill 6436 authorizes biennial inspections of all school buildings in Connecticut, and a joint Tennessee bill (SB 605 and HB 891) allows the state’s Commissioner of Education, with the assistance of a task force, to establish mold remediation guidelines for Tennessee public schools.
Of the legislation considered this year, nearly one-quarter dealt with mold and mold remediation, another quarter with IAQ in schools and the remainder on improving air quality in public buildings.
For more information, contact Aerias.
