Mold is far and away the hot environmental health and safety political issue in 2003, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

To date, nearly 50 measures have been introduced addressing this issue in state legislatures - everything from real estate disclosure statements, to licensing and registration for mold remediators and inspectors.

The most significant bills have been those requiring registration/licensing in the state of Florida. But the three major bills addressing this issue all died as the Florida legislature came to a close. Still, major bills are pending in several other states.

Mold legislation at the federal level is unlikely to move forward, reports AIHA. The organization predicts mold will remain a hot topic at the state level for another year or so.