Why are molds not on the Proposition 65 list of chemical contaminants?
Proposition 65 requires that the Governor publish a list of chemicals that are known to the State of California to cause birth defects, reproductive harm, or cancer. Given that toxic molds are not classified as chemicals, they do not currently qualify for inclusion on the list. WHAT TO DO WHEN MOLDS ARE DISCOVERED: TESTING AND REMEDIATION Molds are resilient organisms. Because molds are capable of permeating porous materials surface cleaning is often insufficient to eradicate mold colonies. Also, because dead molds can damage human health, complete removal of all molds is required. Is testing to determine toxicity warranted? In a word, no; according to Harriett Ammann, a Senior Toxicologist for the Washington State Department of Health, “While testing for toxins (as opposed to testing for the presence of mold in the air) is useful for establishing [the cause] of disease, and adds to knowledge about mold toxicity in the indoor environment, prudent public health practice might advise spe
