Benson & Riley Bill to Establish Mold Exposure Limits in Residential Buildings Released by Assembly Panel

Bill would also create certification program to help protect public health and safety

(Trenton) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel R. Benson and Celeste M. Riley requiring the state to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings and certification of mold inspectors and abatement workers has been released by an Assembly panel.

The bill (A-3773) would require the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings, and procedures for the inspection, identification, and evaluation of the interior of residential buildings for mold.

"This creates rules and regulations that currently don't exist to protect the public health and safety against mold," said Benson (D-Mercer/Middlesex). "Mold presents a particular problem for sensitive populations like children or people with compromised immune systems or respiratory problems, and right now there is no agency they can call to get help when it comes to mold."

"Mold can exacerbate health problems including asthma and allergies in children, and currently there are no standards to control its harmful potential," said Riley (D-Salem/Cumberland/Gloucester). "Other states have passed laws establishing guidelines, and now it's time for New Jersey to follow suit and protect its residents against the health risks that can be caused by mold."

Under the bill, the DCA would also be required to: (1) establish standards for mold hazard abatement procedures including specialized cleaning, repairs, maintenance, painting, temporary containment and ongoing monitoring of mold hazards; and (2) establish a certification program for persons who inspect for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and who perform mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings.

On the first day of the sixth month following the adoption of these rules and regulations, any person who inspects for the presence of mold hazards in residential buildings and performs mold hazard abatement work in residential buildings would be required to be certified by the DCA.

The DCA must adopt the standards within a year after the bill is enacted into law.

The bill was released by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.