Toxic Mold: A Growing Concern
Mold is one of the first organisms on this planet. It is ubiquitous, but that can be found almost anywhere indoors and outdoors. Molds grow in different temperatures and humidity.
However, many species of mold grow best in humid climates and in areas of high moisture. This is why mold growth is common in bathrooms, air is always hot and humid. However, mold can grow in very low temperatures as anyone who has forgotten food in the refrigerator knows.
However, if mold is nearly everywhere and has existed forever, why Why then is the problem of toxic mold relatively new? Due to the energy crisis of the 1970s, building construction techniques changed. The buildings, residential (homes) and retail / commercial (shops, offices, factories, schools), became more airtight to prevent hot air from escaping in winter through and around windows and doors. Building materials have also changed over time.
New building materials the paper or cellulose, such as drywall, insulation, wallpaper, fiber, and roof tiles, are mold spores that cause a place to grow and prosper, and a source food.
These building materials based on paper can provide a perfect mold growth environment when they are wet or damp. This is why toxic mold can become a problem when flooding occurs as in the case of those parts of the southern United States affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
But the water lower emissions due to plumbing failures, condensation, residential water leaks and excessive moisture due to leakage in the ceiling, pot pipes, walls, and the ground can also provide ideal conditions for mold growth and toxic mold.
Toxic Mold, EPA, Bill and Melina
There are no established guidelines for indoor air quality, though, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a strategic plan of "Healthy Buildings, Healthy People: A Vision for the 21st Century", which includes the agenda goes directly to protecting human health indoors. The EPA is focusing its efforts on outreach, education and technical assistance to non-regulatory programs, where toxic mold geography and climate makes it a problem.
In addition, Congressman John Conyers, Jr., Michigan Democrat, has introduced a bill in the House of Representatives (HR 1268) to address the dangers of Toxic Mold entitled "The United States Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act (also known as" The Melina Bill "). Main provisions of the bill are:
* The research and public education: scientifically examine the effects of different molds human health, certified mold inspectors and remedial, public education;
* Housing and real estate provisions: a requirement mold inspections for multi-unit residential property and mold inspections for all goods that are purchased or leased with funds that are guaranteed by the federal government, the requirement for mold inspections in public housing, where possible changes in building codes of the jurisdictions local to minimize the risks of mold in new construction;
* Indoor Mold Hazard Assistance: Grants for the removal of mold in buildings public;
* Tax provisions: tax credits for inspection and / or repair of toxic mold;
* National toxic mold insurance program: insurance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to protect against catastrophic losses due to toxic mold and
* The measures of health care: to provide Medicaid to mold victims.
About the Author
Visit http://toxic-mold.legalview.com to learn more about the risks associated with toxic mold. Also use http://www.LegalView.com to learn about other serious legal issues afflicting thousands of Americans each year including the Ketek side effects or the potential Zimmer Durom cup recall.
Mold Elimination: 24 hour test
