Government Agencies That Can Help With Mold

Mold contamination is a pretty common household and structure problem – so common, in fact, that it is not a concern to which we are left to fend for ourselves.  The United States Government has taken notice, in the form of a number of agencies that have made mold infestation issues part of their agenda. 

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the foremost regulatory body for dealing with various matters of environmental health and integrity.  The Indoor Environments Division (IED) of the EPA, in particular, is charged with implementing the EPA Indoor Environments Program, a program designed to address indoor air pollutants, both natural and artificial.  Part of IED’s mission is to reduce human health risks that may be posed by contaminants in indoor areas, which risk are assessed scientifically, and made known through various social marketing techniques.  To this end, it has identified mold contamination as a leading cause of a number of adverse health symptoms, as well as an element that gradually deteriorates the condition of many indoor surfaces and objects.  Adhering to the principle that an informed America is a more resilient America, the IED has distributed a number of public service pamphlets and guides, which deal with the problem of indoor mold in houses and commercial buildings, and discuss how to prevent and resolve them.   IED’s participation is not just informative, however – in certain instances, IED works together with industries, non-profit public health organizations and other special interest groups to obtain and provide funding support for mold remediation and education.  The EPA itself also extends support in the form of grants to small businesses or organizations for the discovery of new, more effective mold remediation techniques.  They also facilitate testing of these methods in private homes to determine their effectiveness.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is another agency that contends with mold remediation, owing to the fact that natural disasters involving wet and humid weather conditions turn damaged homes and buildings into breeding grounds for mold, which causes further health problems to an already beleaguered populace.  Aside from providing basic information on mold remediation strategies and how to prepare for them, FEMA also provides financial assistance in the form of reimbursements for mold remediation work, if the extent of the infestation qualifies for the compensation, and the applicant can demonstrate reasonable diligence in trying to prevent the contamination from occurring or spreading.  FEMA also supplies financial assistance via grant to families and individuals who are affected by natural or manmade disasters.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has taken a special interest in providing block grants for Native Americans who require assistance with mold remediation efforts.  Tribes registered with the government, as well as designated housing entities, are provided with funds for new construction and rehabilitation.  In addition, low-income or unemployed individuals will be recruited to perform the work.

Various local government agencies also provide limited assistance and education with regard to mold concerns.  Typically, this will be the environmental arm of a state or city, or a sub-office of the same.  Naturally, the focus of this agency will be limited to the territory in which it currently operates.

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