The Alliance for Healthy Homes and the National Center for Healthy Housing submitted several proposals to the International Code Council in August 2007 to increase the health-protectiveness of the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which is the model code that hundreds of local and state jurisdictions use as the standard requirements for residential structures:

1. Re-define already-required extermination to exclude poison spraying and fumigating; allow the use of registered pesticides consistent with label instructions in a manner that effectively controls the pest with the lowest exposure to occupant; and eliminate pests’ access to sources of water.
2. Require correction of moisture that causes deteriorated paint or other defective conditions.
3. Require repair of peeling paint on the interior and exterior surfaces of pre-1978 housing, using approved lead-safe work practices, and refraining from using dangerous methods of paint removal (open flame burning or torching; machine sanding, machine grinding, abrasive blasting or sandblasting without a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) local exhaust control; heat guns operating above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit or charring the paint; dry sanding; dry scraping; and paint stripping using a solvent that contains methylene chloride without powered mechanical ventilation). Click here and here for the text of the changes.
4. Clarify that an occupant of a multiple dwelling is not solely responsible for extermination.
5. Prohibit lead-based paint hazards and excessive carbon monoxide.
6. Require smooth, hard, nonabsorbent surfaces in bathroom floors in multiple dwelling units.
7. Require that clothes dryer exhaust be vented to the exterior of the structure (except listed an labeled condensing dryers).
8. Set maximum hot water temperature for bathtubs and showers to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Require a carbon monoxide alarm in structures that have an attached garage or a fuel-burning furnace, water heater, or appliance.
10. Clarify that unvented fuel-burning equipment used indoors must be labeled for indoor use and operated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

These proposals were first considered during hearings held February 18, 2008, in Palm Springs, CA, subject to comment by June 9, and may be adopted at hearings in Minneapolis September 17-23, 2008. The Alliance encourages all jurisdictions to ensure that the building officials who represent them at the hearings support these proposals during voting. Questions can be directed to Ruth Klotz-Chamberlin at ruthkc@afhh.org.