Untitled Document

For Immediate Release

Contact: Ana Matosantos
916/445-5965

PRESS CONFERENCE
Date: 9:30 am, March 7, 2001

Landmark Toxic Mold Legislation Draws Support From Local and National Advocates

State Senator Deborah Ortiz, (D-Sacramento) has introduced comprehensive legislation, Senate Bill 732, to address the significant public health danger of toxic mold in residential and commercial buildings, the first such statewide policy in the country.

A press conference will be held Wednesday, March 7 at 9:30am in Room 1190 of the State Capitol to introduce the measure publicly. Following the press conference, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee will convene in Room 4203 from 10:00am to 12:30pm to examine the health effects of molds and adequacy of the current public response to mold incidents. At the press conference, several key witnesses for the informational hearing will be on-hand including, nationally recognized environmental advocate Erin Brockovich, Kathy Masera, publisher of California Job Journal, homeowners Steve and Karen Porath, along with representatives of homeowners and consumer attorney Alex Robertson, IV, a nationally recognized legal authority on toxic mold issues.

Ms. Brockovich, her husband and three children are currently battling mold-related illnesses due to their contaminated Agoura Hills home. Ms. Masera's company was forced to evacuate its Sacramento offices and permanently relocate after she and nearly all her 30 employees became ill from toxic mold exposure. Mr. and Mrs. Porath recently burned down their mold-infested Foresthill home after they and their two small children began suffering from a variety of illnesses.

Toxic molds have recently captured public attention and affect an increasing number of Californians every day. Currently there are no laws or regulations that address mold problems or require disclosure of its existence to a prospective tenant. Senator Ortiz's legislation directs the Department of Health Services to establish permissible mold exposure limits and set standards for identifying and remediating molds. SB 732 would also define real estate disclosure requirements and grant local agencies the authority to respond to mold complaints.

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