Biotoxin-related illnesses report presented

The Australian Parliament’s Health, Aged Care and Sport Committee last week presented its ‘Report on the Inquiry into Biotoxin-related Illnesses in Australia’.

As part of its inquiry, the committee received evidence regarding the possible health impacts associated with exposure to mould and various types of symptoms that have been associated with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

“The committee has heard a range of perspectives on biotoxin-related illnesses in Australia, including personal accounts from individuals experiencing multiple, often debilitating symptoms,” said Committee Chair Trent Zimmerman.

The report outlines seven recommendations, including:

• the development and publication of a fact sheet, and associated research, into the prevalence, health impacts, prevention and removal of mould;
• the development of standards and/or accreditation requirements for mould testing and remediation industries;
• the provision of information for potential tenants about disclosure and rectification of any previous or existing mould issues in a property before entering into a leasing agreement;
• research into the adequacy of existing building standards and codes in relation to the prevention and remediation of dampness and mould;
• a review into the treatment of patients presenting with complex illnesses;
• research into CIRS-like conditions (to assist with diagnosis, management and treatment), as well as the link between mould and biotoxins and CIRS-like symptoms;
• the development of clinical guidelines for general practitioners for the diagnosis, treatment and management of CIRS-like conditions.
   

The complete report is available here.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Dušan Janković