Tampa, Florida June 29, 2005 -- In a letter to the Florida Secretary of State Governor Bush stated that he was not prepared to limit the current practices for the mold inspectors practicing mold investigations. Both Environmental Diagnostics laboratory (EDLab) and Pure Air Control Services supports the Governor's position that the Florida legislature bill is necessary as it required the following:

-          Educational Requirements for Mold Assessors and Mold Remediatiors
-          Liability Insurance
-          Prohibits certain acts that could lead to fraudulent practices
-          Provides penalties for those acts
-          Protects the general public from unscrupulous businesses
-          Provides strict standards for practioners

Alan Wozniak, president of Pure Air Control Services indicated that "a bill to legitimize the mold industry and provide standardization is critical, but it is also essential to incorporate specifities that covers not only mold but also other related indoor environmental contaminants."

Though there were many admirable actions of the bill it also created potential problems.  The inherent flaws and unintended consequences of the bill included:

-          Putting legitimate and responsible employees out of business
-          Only mold regulation and no other environmental deficiencies such as bacteria, endotoxins, allergens, chemicals, comfort factors, building pressurization, hygienic conditions, moisture conditions, etc.
-          Grandfathering some home inspectors, but not legitimate professional industrial hygiene firms
-          Unclear educational requirements
-          Training requirements were too soon
-          Ambiguity in establishing clear educational requirements
-          Specifity with regard to the kinds of training curriculum
-           Lack of standardization for the practioners
-          Unintended effect to allow insurers to deny payment for mold claims under homeowners policies

The Governors office will be working with the State of Florida Department of Professional Regulation (DBPR) along with various stakeholders to develop proposed legislation that will help to find solutions to protect the general public.

Governor Jeb Bush's letter to the Florida Secretary of State:
 
http://www.iaqcouncil.org/PDF-Files/HB_315_Home_Inspection_Services_VETO.pdf
 

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Pure Air Control Services, Inc.

1-800-422-7873