Indoor Mold: Better Coordination of Research on Health Effects and More Consistent Guidance Would Improve Federal Efforts

Recent research suggests that indoor mold poses a widespread and, for some people, serious health threat. Federal agencies engage in a number of activities to address this issue, including conducting or sponsoring research. For example, in 2004 the National Academies' Institute of Medicine issued a report requested by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) summarizing the scientific literature on mold, dampness, and human health. In addition, the Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality supports the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) indoor air research program. With respect to the health effects of exposure to indoor mold, GAO was asked to report on (1) the conclusions of recent reviews of the scientific literature, (2) the extent to which federal research addresses data gaps, and (3) the guidance agencies are providing to the general public. GAO reviewed scientific literature on indoor mold's health effects, surveyed three agencies that conduct or sponsor indoor mold research, and analyzed guidance issued by five agencies.

EMLabs P&K Anounces to its Members About the NAMM Moisture Awareness Education Course

National Association for Moisture Management (NAMM)
Establishes National Public Education Moisture Prevention Program

The National Association for Moisture Management (NAMM) has developed the Moisture Awareness Education class, a national public education program that could save consumers and business owners millions of dollars in damage to their homes, businesses, and to their health. Moisture Awareness Education is a community college course on moisture and mold management that teaches people how to protect themselves. It will soon be taught through the Partnership for Environmental Technology Education (P.E.T.E.) in community colleges around the nation.

NAMM will offer a FREE lifetime membership program for the general public. A one-time setup fee of $29.95 will allow each homeowner to receive a copy of the The Consumer Awareness Education DVD as well as a password, which will provide them 24/7 access to the NAMM website. Once a homeowner has a password to the site they will have access to industry professionals, most current news on moisture and water intrusion articles, and a buyers beware section that will offer guidance in dealing with moisture intrusion issues.

A DVD of the course will be available at a nominal fee for consumers unable to attend the class.

Health Canada Issues a New Guideline on Mould

Health Canada issues a new guideline on Mould in Residential Air stating that significant associations were found between home dampness and the risk of developing asthma.

The guidelines recommend:

• to control humidity and diligently repair any water damage in residences to prevent mould growth; and
• to clean thoroughly any visible or concealed mould growing in residential buildings.

These recommendations apply regardless of the mould species found to be growing in the building.

Oregon Law Bans EIFS

Oregon 2007 legislature banned the use of EIFS, or Exterior Insulation and Finish System, sometimes referred to as "synthetic stucco" in new construction. Health and safety concerns regarding the installation of EIFS barrier systems led to the change in law. All EIFS systems must have a waterproof membrane over the substrate and a drainage system to allow moisture to drain from behind the EIFS.

Launch of the National Association for Moisture Management website

We would like to welcome you to a new website that is being developed to help consumers and professionals learn about proper moisture management and mold removal. Phase I is completed, phase II is being developed now.

Once phase II is developed, www.na4mm.com will be a fully dynamic, database driven website that will provide members with a login section.

The National Association for Moisture Management is a non-profit association that was formed out of a need to educate and protect the consumer from problems associated with mold and moisture. The hope is that by educating about mold and moisture, we can help prevent costly problems.

Thank you