Mold & Bed Bugs

Mold & Bed Bugs Overview

The health effects of exposure to indoor mold have been a growing concern over the past few years.  Currently Illinois does not have laws pertaining to indoor mold.  The Health Department does not perform residential inspections or test for mold and there are no standards or guidelines that exist to judge what are acceptable amounts of mold.  Testing cannot determine whether health effects will occur.  If you wish to have your home tested for mold, contact an industrial hygienists.  The Health Department does not have the authority to enforce codes that define and protect indoor air quality or require a landlord to remove mold.  If mold is visible there is a source of moisture that needs to be eliminated and the mold needs to be cleaned or removed.

Bed bugs have been on the rise in Illinois and Clinton County.  The increase in bed bug prevalence is due in part to domestic and international travel, increased resistance to pesticides, and a lack of knowledge regarding monitoring and control.  Bed bugs do not transmit disease to people but can become a pest.  The Health Department does not perform residential inspections for bed bugs and recommends contacting a pest management professional as most bed bug infestations are not do-it-yourself projects.  It is important to implement an integrated pest management plan to effectively eliminate a bed bug infestation.  Bed bug disputes in multi-unit dwellings, hotels, retail stores and other establishments are regulated by the municipal government of the municipality in which the building resides.

Documents

Resources

Illinois Department of Public Health, Indoor Air Quality and Healthy Homes (Mold)

Illinois Department of Public Health, Bed Bugs

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mold

US Environmental Protection Agency, Bed Bugs