New York State Mold Task Force Releases Draft Report to the Governor

EMSL Analytical provides microbial and chemical testing solutions to ensure safe indoor air quality (IAQ) for building occupants.

Cinnaminson, NJ

Several years ago Section 1384 of the New York State (NYS) Public Health Law established the NYS Mold Task Force. They were tasked with using scientific evidence to assess the adverse health effects of mold exposure.

In August, the NYS Task Force submitted a Report to the Governor and Legislature for a review and a public comment period that will conclude in October of this year. The document provides conclusions on the health effects of mold and states:

• Exposure to building dampness and dampness-related agents including mold has been recognized nationally and at the state and local level as a potential public health problem.

• The strongest evidence exists for associations between indoor mold exposures and upper and lower respiratory health effects such as nasal symptoms and asthma exacerbations.

• Asthma and other allergic respiratory diseases that can be exacerbated by mold exposures are common in NYS. This means many people are at risk for exacerbation of their respiratory conditions by exposure to mold conditions in buildings.

• Evidence for associations between non-respiratory effects and mold exposures in buildings is much more limited and generally does not allow clear conclusions to be drawn one way or the other.

• Molds, along with other organisms such as bacteria, mites and insects that proliferate in damp buildings, produce volatile compounds, spores and other minute particles that can cause irritant and allergic responses that range from annoying to serious depending on the amount of exposure and the immune system of the individual. Although some molds produce toxins, their contribution to adverse health effects in damp buildings, based on existing scientific information, is uncertain.

A leading provider of IAQ testing services, EMSL Analytical, for mold and other contaminants supports the continued study of the implications of air quality issues in buildings and homes. “We hope the medical and IAQ industries take notice of this draft report and provide feedback to the State of New York,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President at EMSL Analytical. “There is additional research that needs to be completed about the health implications of mold, but what we do know is high levels of mold in indoor environments is not healthy for the majority of building occupants,” he continued.

For more information on mold or other IAQ testing services and products please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com or email info@EMSL.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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