Senate to take up bill on toxic mold

PROVIDENCE RI (WPRI) - Legislation has been introduced in the Senate to regulate exposure to toxic mold in residential buildings, and to define procedures to report and remediate mold infestation.

The bill requires owners to inform any potential residents in writing about existing molds or chronic water problems. It also holds owners responsible for fixing these issues.

The bill creates an advisory board to help the Department of Health establish guidelines for allowable mold levels and procedures to remove the mold.

The establishment of the guidelines will be based on the health effects the mold could have on the public particularly those most susceptible to symptoms.

Mold becomes toxic when found in large quantities and excretes mycotoxin.

This can be absorbed through the skin, ingested and inhaled. Mold can cause problems such as respiratory issues, hemorrhaging, fatigue and cognitive losses.

Rhode Island is not the first state to pass legislation about toxic molds. California, Massachusetts, New York and Texas have already established safety measures.

The new guidelines will take into consideration the standards created by other states.

Senator Lanzi says “It is especially important that homes and residential buildings are checked due to the flood damage last year in Cranston, Warwick and other parts of Rhode Island. The water from the floods can lead to dangerous mold growth.”