Mold in Private Military Housing Draws Congressional Attention
Subcommittees from both the United States Senate and House of Representatives held hearings recently on concerning issues in private military housing. Both committees heard testimony from witnesses who referenced mold exposure as one of the pervasive issues they faced while living in homes owned by private corporations. The witnesses highlighted health issues they experienced as a result of misidentification of mold or failed remediation.
During the Senate’s Mistreatment of Military Families in Privatized Housing hearing, Rachel Christian, a Founder of Armed Forces Housing Advocates, stated that assessors and remediators dealing with mold should follow a standard when conducting mold-related work. During the House’s Military Privatized Family Housing Oversight hearing, Private First Class Cody Calderon gave a detailed portrayal of his bout with mold throughout his family’s home and stated that no standard was properly followed to ensure safe remediation of the mold that plagued his family. Additionally, Calderon highlighted the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification’s (IICRC) Mold Remediation Specialist certification (MRS).
Following the hearings, the IICRC sent letters to the Chair and Ranking Member of both committees, emphasizing that mold assessors and remediators should be certified and follow an accredited industry standard. The ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation is the only accredited mold remediation standard available. The IICRC Mold Remediation Specialist (MRS) certification is currently in the process of becoming accredited.
It is vital that the professionals performing mold-related services are knowledgeable about the methods and procedures outlined in the accredited standard. Our recommended legislative language provides a straightforward solution – view it here.