Congressman John Conyers, Jr. Introduces
H.R. 5040: 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.
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.
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