S-1348.1  _______________________________________________

                         SENATE BILL 5933

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      57th Legislature     2001 Regular Session

By Senators Kohl‑Welles, Thibaudeau, Deccio, Fraser and Costa

Read first time 02/08/2001.  Referred to Committee on Health & Long‑Term Care.

Reducing exposure in the home to carcinogens and allergens.

    AN ACT Relating to reducing exposure in the home to carcinogens and allergens; adding a new section to chapter 43.70 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds ordinary house dust typically contains pesticides, carcinogens, lead, cadmium, bacteria, mold, dust mites, and animal dander, and that the connection between these pollutants and some common childhood diseases and injuries such as asthma, allergies, lead poisoning, birth defects, learning disabilities, and even cancer has been well-established.  Studies have indicated that a greater exposure to toxic chemicals and allergens occurs in the home environment than in the outdoor environment, due to the greater amount of time spent indoors.  Public health agencies and nongovernmental health organizations have begun public education programs regarding cleaning methods and other measures that families may use to reduce exposure to these pollutants.  However, greater state technical and financial assistance is needed for these programs to reach more households.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 43.70 RCW to read as follows:

    The department shall develop informational materials that address methods of reducing exposure to indoor air pollutants in the home environment.  The department may distribute these materials, including posting on the department's electronic web page, and make them available for distribution through local health jurisdictions and nongovernmental organizations.  For purposes of this section, such pollutants include smoke, dust mites, mold, pesticides, and carcinogens.  The informational materials shall include recommendations on cleaning methods, furnishings, and home design features that help to reduce such exposure.

                            --- END ---