C.S.H.B. 1560 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 1560
By: Coleman
Public Health
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 
Mold has recently emerged as a source of public concern.  Some types and
some amounts of mold are unhealthy for humans to breathe, but there are no
government standards by which mold is measured.  Indoor mold can cause
breathing problems, sneezing, eye irritation, nasal congestion, coughing,
skin irritation, headaches, and fatigue. The Texas Department of Health
has recommendations for toxic mold levels and suggested methods of
remediation, but there still is no quantitative data that determines the
levels of mold that are dangerous. 
 
A set of standards should exist by which mold is measured, evaluated, and
treated.  Private companies should not set these standards.  The first
step for the Legislature is an objective study, sponsored by the State of
Texas, to evaluate the situation.  The act directs TDH to conduct a review
of scientific information related to mold.  The review should include a
study of scientific literature, consultation with experts, and any other
available resources.    

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS
The Texas Department of Health  will conduct a review of scientific
information on indoor mold that determines the types of molds that may be
harmful to human health.  The review will determine what mechanisms are
available to measure the concentration level of indoor mold, identify the
concentration levels of mold that have been associated with health effects
in humans, identify correlations between exposure levels and negative
health effects, identify a human occupancy exposure range, recommend a
system for removing mold and determine time frames for reevaluating
"clean" sites.     
 
In conducting the study, TDH may survey existing scientific literature,
statistically analyze existing data, and consult with appropriate state
and federal agencies and appropriate scientific and medical experts.   

The Texas Board of Health may appoint an advisory committee to assist TDH.

By December 1, 2004, TDH shall report the results of the study to the
governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house.  The report must
identify areas in which future research is needed. 

The Act expires January 1, 2005.

EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2003
 
COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE
The substitute differs from the original in that the words "toxic mold"
were replaced with "indoor mold" and the phrase "study of toxic mold" is
changed to "review of scientific information of indoor mold."   

The substitute  rewords existing and adds new requirements for the study.

The final report is to identify areas in which future research is needed.