Meeting Public Comments

Brandon Chappo [Change the Air Foundation]

To the Distinguished Members of the Health and Human Services Committee,Change the Air Foundation is writing in support of HF 2070, an act to create an indoor mold information and public awareness program through the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services.This simple change will do so much to impact the health and wellbeing of so many Iowans and their families. Poor indoor air quality and waterdamaged indoor environments not only impacts our health, but also causes significant physical, emotional, and financial hardship. Whats worse, water damage is not always a visible problem and can be hidden behind walls and in places not often frequented, such as attics and crawl spaces. Many individuals may be suffering from chronic health symptoms and have no idea that the culprit behind their degrading health rests within these hazardous indoor spaces. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (CDC NIOSH) estimates that the average American spends over 90% of their time indoors. The American Lung Association states that the average adult takes 20,000 breaths a day. The U.S. EPAs research indicates air pollutants can be 2 5 times even up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoor levels.These statistics paint an important picture: We spend more time indoors than ever breathing in air that is potentially bad for our health. Indoor air quality and the state of our indoor environments has an immense impact on our health and wellbeing. Mold and water damage is often a major, hidden driver behind illnesses that are entirely preventable with the right resources and information available to the public.Change the Air Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping families across the country breathe safe indoor air. The Foundation believes that every person has a right to know that their indoor environments may be affected by mold, bacteria, and other potentially harmful indoor pollutants.We believe that healthy and safe indoor air is a basic right. We also believe that HF 2070 is consistent with the science and current policy recommendations, is practical and will protect thousands of Iowa residents in the years to come.Moldrelated illnesses can be prevented if residents and owners are properly informed and take the necessary steps to identify and prevent mold and water damage in their housing environments. Change the Air Foundation believes that HF 2070, if passed, can be a cornerstone leading the way towards safer indoor air quality standards for all in Iowa.We urge you to pass this bill and stand ready to provide further information.In health and change,Brandon ChappoDirector of Public PolicyChange the Air Foundation