MOLD IN HOMES AND SCHOOLS: STATE AND LOCAL AGENCIES RESPOND TO INCREASED PUBLIC CONCERN

摘要

State and local health departments throughout the United States have experienced a significant increase in the number of complaints regarding moisture and mold problems during the past decade. A survey of 28 state and local health departments with indoor air programs found that the general public is asking the same types of mold-related questions regardless of climate. The responses of public health agencies are varied and range from providing direct services such as inspections, research, development of guidance documents, and building the capacity of city and county agencies to respond locally. Although the policy questions faced by health departments are similar, the Cuyahoga County Board of Health and the Minnesota Department of Health have taken different approaches in responding to indoor mold complaints.