Building owners: Mold research needed, not legislation

By Michael McCagg WASHINGTON — More federal research is needed into mold contamination and its health effects on humans, but legislation is largely unnecessary, the Building Owners and Managers Association International (BOMA) asserts in a new position paper. The more than 18,000-member association of building owners, facility managers and real estate executives has officially taken a stand opposing federal and state efforts to develop building codes and standards that would regulate mold exposure and moisture — a key aspect of the newly proposed federal mold legislation. "Building codes and standards designed to address mold and moisture should be developed through the industry standards consensus processes," BOMA stated in a press release. BOMA in its formal policy on mold also:

• Supports additional federal or federally funded research to examine potential health effects of mold in indoor environments
The research should address construction practices, building materials, building design, operations and maintenance and tenant behavior, and must be based on reliable evidence and sound science, not supposition.
• Supports laws and regulation that will insurance adequate insurance coverage for mold claims for commercial real estate is available at a fair and reasonable cost
• Opposes legislative and regulatory initiative advocating broad mold related disclosure requirements in the sale of commercial properties, which BOMA claims "may confuse or expose sellers and lessor to unpredictable and unreasonable liability"

Bob Allen, president of the International Association of Mold Remediation Specialists, disagrees with BOMA''s policy. He charged that the policy, while addressing the need for more research — something the IAMRS is also pushing for — ignores the need for oversight of both remediators and building owners. He also opposes BOMA''s opposition to disclosure of mold contamination upon the sale of the building, saying such a position potentially threatens the well being of those who are hurt by mold exposure. The disclosure aspect was a sticking point in the introduction of federal legislation last month that would govern mold. Among other things, BOMA''s opposition to that aspect of the legislation led to its removal from the bill before it was introduced, an aide to the legislation''s author, US Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), told CM e-News Daily/CMM Online.