**GAO-08-980**                      Published: Sep 30, 2008. Publicly Released: Oct 15, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

Recent research suggests that indoor mold poses a widespread and, for some people, serious health threat. Federal agencies engage in a number of activities to address this issue, including conducting or sponsoring research. For example, in 2004 the National Academies' Institute of Medicine issued a report requested by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) summarizing the scientific literature on mold, dampness, and human health. In addition, the Federal Interagency Committee on Indoor Air Quality supports the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) indoor air research program. With respect to the health effects of exposure to indoor mold, GAO was asked to report on (1) the conclusions of recent reviews of the scientific literature, (2) the extent to which federal research addresses data gaps, and (3) the guidance agencies are providing to the general public. GAO reviewed scientific literature on indoor mold's health effects, surveyed three agencies that conduct or sponsor indoor mold research, and analyzed guidance issued by five agencies.

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## Topics

Natural Resources and Environment

Adolescent healthAir qualityAsthmaChildrenData collectionData integrityDiseasesEnvironmental monitoringEnvironmental researchEvaluation methodsFederal fundsHazardous substancesHealth hazardsInfantsMedical examinationsMedical researchPublic healthPublic health legislationPublic health researchResearch and developmentRisk assessmentStandardsStandards evaluationToxic substances