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The Melina Bill - H.R. 5040
John Conyers -
Congressman's discussion on H.R. 5040
Link to a .pdf file on the
bill:
http://www.chelsea-grp.com/pdf/melina.pdf
American Industrial Hygiene Association - AIHA.org
http://www.aiha.org/GovernmentAffairs-PR/html/pr-SPR-02-815-01.htm
The following is a link to
this bill as commented on by: AIHA.org
AIHA Comments on H.R. 5040 - The Melina Bill
FAIRFAX, VA (Aug. 15, 2002) – The
American Industrial Hygiene Association commented this week on H.R.
5040. The “United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act of
2002,” also known as the “Melina Bill,” was introduced by John
Conyers, Jr. (D-Michigan). The legislation addresses many issues
related to mold including a requirement to set standards for mold
exposure, creation of indoor mold hazard assistance, development of
construction standards as they relate to mold, providing tax
provisions for mold inspection and remediation, and creation of a
national toxic mold hazard insurance program.
“We recognize that the intent of the
bill is to address mold as a broad issue. However, we believe the best
way to do this is to prevent mold growth in the first place,” said
Gayla J. McCluskey, CIH, CSP, ROH, QEP, AIHA President. “AIHA is
pleased that the issue of mold is being addressed. We hope that our
input will be considered on the areas of concern for OEHS
professionals.”
There are four basic areas of concern
expressed by AIHA:
AIHA does not believe it is possible
to define or set permissible exposure limits for “toxic mold.” With
the current science, AIHA believes that it is not possible for any
single study to ascertain levels at which exposure to mold or mold
byproducts will harm human health.
AIHA is primarily concerned about
standards for individuals involved with inspection and remediation
of mold. AIHA would like to see Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIHs)
formally recognized as being pre-qualified to address mold
inspection and remediation. Others who work with mold should be
required to have sufficient education and training.
Only accredited labs should analyze
mold samples. One of the requirements to address the potentially
harmful effects of mold contamination is to identify the type of
mold and the level of exposure. It is imperative that only
laboratories accredited for the appropriate analyses by a
nationally-recognized accrediting body or authority conduct mold
testing.
The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) should be among the agencies designated to
implement this legislation. As the bill now stands, the EPA is given
complete oversight over the issue. Mold occurs in the occupational
environment as well as residences. AIHA is concerned with those who
are exposed to potential mold hazards in the workplace as well as
those who are involved in mold inspection and remediation.
Additionally, AIHA is concerned about
language in the bill that would leave development of standards,
guidelines, and recommendations to those who develop national building
and construction standards. AIHA does not feel that organizations
involved with establishing construction standards have the necessary
background and insight into the qualifications necessary for
individuals and laboratories involved with mold inspections and
remediation.
More information about AIHA’s
information on mold are available in the May 2001 Report of the
Microbial Growth Task Force (AIHA Press) and on the AIHA web site
(www.aiha.org) where consumer and professional factsheets, the
transcript of the June 2002 Mold Press Conference, and other materials
may be found.
Founded in 1939, the American
Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) is the premier association
of occupational and environmental health and safety professionals.
AIHA's 12,000 members play a crucial role on the front line of worker
health and safety every day. Members represent a cross-section of
industry, private business, labor, government and academia.
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