ASSEMBLY DEMOCRATS NEWS RELEASE

Benson, Riley & Ramos Bill to Establish Mold Exposure Limits in Residential Buildings Gets Final Legislative Ok Bill Would Also Create Certification Program to Help Protect Public Health & Safety (TRENTON) – Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Daniel R. Benson, Celeste M. Riley and Ruben Ramos requiring the state to establish standards for exposure limits to mold in residential buildings and certification of mold inspectors and abatement workers received final legislative approval 64-13-3 by the General Assembly on Monday. The bill (A-1588) would require the state Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the state 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-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “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.” “Considering the health implications, it is hard to believe that there are currently no regulations concerning mold, or no agency that a person whose health or property has been compromised by mold can call for assistance,” said Ramos (D-Hudson). “This bill makes up for this failure by putting in place guidelines to help protect the public against the health threats associated with mold exposure.” 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 or potential 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. However, residential property owners who are not certified under the bill may perform mold inspection and mold abatement work on their own property. Additionally, the bill would require any person performing work in school facilities to be certified under the mold hazard inspection and abatement certification program established under the bill. 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 now heads to the Governor’s desk.