Mold
There probably isn't a hotter issue right now within the subject of indoor air
quality than mold. Our office has received hundreds of phone calls over the past
few years from local residents wanting information on the subject of mold. National
and local news media have all reported numerous stories about problems with mold in
homes, apartments, schools, and offices. Mold can primarily cause respiratory health
problems such as allergies, inflammation, and infections. Coughing, sneezing, eye
irritation, sore throat, skin rashes and shortness of breath are some of the symptoms.
While much of the media attention has been focused on "stachybotrus" or the
"black mold," any excess mold, no matter the color, can be a problem. |
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Mold problems are not regulated by the federal Clean Air Act. There are no
established maximum exposure levels of mold as there are with the criteria pollutants
in outside air. There is a great deal of research being done on the subject to try
and establish standards, but as there are thousands of types of molds, this will
take time. As a result, there are few, if any, local or state regulations specifically
addressing mold problems.
Although mold isn't regulated, we can often provide guidance and advice on how to
deal with a possible mold problem in your home. We aim to provide you with the latest
information on mold, as well as lead you to other sources, such as EPA, Centers for
Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, etc. We also have some guidance on
how to clean and/or repair some mold problems. We have developed a packet of
information that is mailed upon request. All of this can also be found through the
links on this webpage.
If you believe you have a serious mold problem, there are companies that conduct
inspections and can clean and/or repair damages. The JCED does not recommend or
endorse any company by name, but you can often find them in the AT&T Pages.
Look under headings such as "Environmental", "Home Inspections," or
"Industrial Hygienists." Also check with friends, relatives, and neighbors for
recommendations.
While mold is not directly regulated in Johnson County, the source of the mold
(water problems) may be covered by your local building code if you rent or lease
property. Leaking windows, roofs, and pipes can allow water to intrude into the
building. If you are living in rental property, it is critical that you advise
the building manager or owner immediately of such problems in order to avoid
further damage. JCED recommends that you advise the building manager immediately
by phone or in-person and follow this up in writing, which is often required in
leases.
Local governments cannot address mold directly as they have no regulations/codes
on mold, but local codes very often do have regulations that address the leaking
windows, roofs, and pipes cited above. If you decide it is necessary, contact your
local codes office and advise them of the causes of the leaks into your building.
Find contact information for the codes compliance officer in your city
here.
If you have any questions, just drop us an
email.
Most responses can be made within 1-2 working days.
More Information
Ten Things You Should Know About Mold
How to Remove Mold
Guidance for Health Professionals Regarding Indoor
Air Quality Health Issues
Firms Offering Services for Indoor Air Quality Problems,
Mold Assessment or Abatement
Suggestions for Working With Firms Offering Services for
Indoor Air Quality Problems
City Code Compliance Officers
Mold Resources
Recursos de Moho
Frequently Asked Questions
Mold Publications
Mold Links
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