Sponsored by the National EPATribal Science Council and hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

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cience Forum

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Traverse C\Vf, Michigan

THEME: Mother Earth: Indigenous Knowledge
and Science to Promote Positive Change

Title of Priority: Environmental Triggers for Respiratory Distress—Special Focus on Mold
Summary of the Priority and Tribal Request:

Mold is a problem in many Tribal communities, representing a significant children's health issue,
particularly in areas where U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) homes and
low-income housing are prevalent. The Tribal Science Council (TSC) representatives wished to see
increased attention on education and reconstaiction/cleanup campaigns. Primary areas of concern
included education campaigns to inform the public, technological assistance and development of
consolidated studies for community use.

Objective/Purpose of Response:

This request identifies sources of information on mold as an environmental trigger and research
activities concerning mold.

Summary of EPA Response to Tribal Request:

EPA's role in the mold issue is to provide mold and moisture prevention and cleanup guidance and
outreach to the public. EPA has developed numerous educational materials on mold and how to prevent
it. EPA is also doing research on molds and their impacts on human health.

The EPA's Office of Indoor Air and Radiation has developed a Web site (www.epa.gov/mold) dedicated
to the mold issue and has produced the following documents and training course dealing with mold:

•	"A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home," available at

www.epa.gov/mold/pdfs/moldguide.pdf

•	"Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," available at
http://www.epa.gov/mold/mold remediation.html

•	Introduction to Mold and Mold Remediation for Environmental and Public Health Professionals"
training course, available at www.epa.gov/mold/moldcourse/index.html

Molds can trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. Additional resources on mold
and asthma include:

•	Allergy & Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics (A AN/MA): 1-800-878-4403

•	American Lung Association: 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872); www.lungusa.org

Suggested Next Steps:

There are numerous issues associated with mold, ranging from remediation to health effects. It is
recommended that this topic be addressed at a future meeting of the TSC in order to determine the
highest priority issues to be addressed.

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