"Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition" Launched
Orlando, FL, January 30, 2006--The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition (RSMC), was launched at the National Association of Home Builders’ International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla.
RSMC is an industry-wide coalition formed to communicate accurate information to both the construction industry and homeowners about how to control moisture and thereby control mold in commercial and residential construction.
The issue of mold continues to be an important topic to builders, homeowners and governmental agencies. Of late it has reached an even higher level of awareness as plans are made for rebuilding the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, there is much confusion concerning mold, as well as effective solutions to preventing it.
“While five years ago there was a dearth of information on moisture and mold control, just the opposite is true today,” said Frank Nunes, International Institute for Lath and Plaster. “If anything, the industry suffers from too much information that needs to be evaluated and put into a format that is more useful to both the construction industry and homeowners. That is a role that RSMC hopes to play.”
“Everyone connected with the building industry has a stake in making sure effective solutions are embraced in solving this important problem,” said Robert Daniels, director emeritus of The Tile Council of North America. “First and foremost, consumers and business owners will be more satisfied with their homes and buildings, builders can avoid expensive callbacks, warranty claims and even litigation, and the financial community can be assured of the long-term security of the investment it underwrites.”
“Mold is principally a moisture control issue. The only way to control moisture and therefore mold is through good building design and construction practices combined with ongoing maintenance,” said Donald Mueller, vice president of research and development for USG Corporation.
RSMC will undertake the following activities:
• Maintain a Web site that will serve as a clearinghouse for accurate information on how to control/prevent mold
(responsiblemoldsolutions.org).
• Publish a brochure with accurate information on the systems approach to mold control.
• Host industry forums in which RSMC will bring together experts to talk about effective ways to fight mold.
• Participate in demonstration projects in which these solutions are applied to fighting mold in a variety of settings.
• Publish articles on this important subject and make member organizations available to the trade and consumer media for interviews.
• Participate in industry trade shows to broaden the awareness of RSMC and recruit additional members.
The Responsible Solutions to Mold Coalition has been formed through a grant from USG Corporation, a Fortune 500 company that manufactures a variety of building products. The RSMC web site will be updated on an ongoing basis to provide the latest and best scientific thinking on mold control for commercial and residential construction.
