To:

Governor Ron DeSantis
Florida State Legislature
Florida Department of Health
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Subject: Enact Regulations and Testing Mandates for Mold in Public Shared Spaces

Background:

We, the undersigned, call upon the Governor of Florida, the State Legislature, and all relevant public health and regulatory agencies to address the urgent issue of mold contamination in public spaces across the state. This petition was inspired by the severe mold issues discovered in the sauna at Gold’s Gym Daytona Beach and the failure of current health and safety regulations to protect the public from the dangers of toxic mold exposure.

A concerned gym member documented alarming levels of mold, mildew, and bacteria inside the sauna at Gold’s Gym in Daytona Beach, Florida. The mold contamination has not only visibly degraded the facility but has also caused serious health issues for those who frequent the sauna, including respiratory problems, fatigue, digestive issues, and skin irritation. Similar issues are believed to be present at other Gold’s Gym locations, including Ormond Beach.

Despite multiple attempts to notify authorities, including the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and the local government, no significant action has been taken to rectify the situation. It has become clear that current state laws are insufficient to address the growing public health threat posed by mold in public shared spaces such as gyms, saunas, and other humid environments.

The Problem:

Mold contamination in public spaces, particularly in environments like saunas, which are humid and poorly ventilated, poses a significant health risk. The specific mold found in these environments, such as black mold (Stachybotrys chartarum), releases toxins that can cause a wide range of health issues, including but not limited to:

• Respiratory problems (asthma, chronic coughing, shortness of breath)
• Chronic fatigue and brain fog
• Skin irritation and rashes
• Sinus infections and congestion
• Digestive problems
• Exacerbation of existing health conditions (e.g., immune system disorders)
• Potentially life-threatening reactions in individuals with compromised immune systems

Currently, there are no statewide mandates in Florida that require regular mold testing and remediation in public shared spaces. This lack of oversight allows toxic mold to go undetected and untreated for extended periods, placing the health of Florida’s citizens at risk.

Evidence:

Here is a YouTube Playlist of videos related to the mold problem at Gold's Gym in Daytona Beach Florida.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYafvNsaL1N...

Here is a picture board:

https://www.pinterest.com/daytonahandy/mold-at-gol...

Our Request:

We are urging the Governor, the Florida State Legislature, and public health authorities to take immediate action by:

1. Implementing Mandatory Mold Testing: Establish statewide regulations that require mandatory mold testing in public shared spaces, such as gyms, saunas, and other high-humidity environments. Testing should be conducted by certified professionals at regular intervals, with additional inspections triggered by any complaints of visible mold or health concerns.
2. Creating Mold Remediation Standards: Set clear standards for mold remediation in public spaces. Facilities with significant mold contamination must be required to close until the mold is effectively removed, and the environment is deemed safe by health inspectors.
3. Increasing Regulatory Oversight: Empower local health departments and code enforcement agencies with the authority and resources to inspect for mold, bacteria, and other environmental hazards in public facilities. Provide them with the legal framework to enforce penalties on facilities that fail to comply with safety regulations.
4. Mandating Public Notification: Require gyms and other public facilities to notify patrons of any potential mold contamination and the steps being taken to address it. Transparency should be mandatory to ensure that the public can make informed decisions about their safety.
5. Prioritizing Public Health in Humid States: Recognize the unique environmental challenges in Florida due to its humid climate. Mold contamination is more likely in this region, and regulations should reflect the heightened risks to public health.

Conclusion:

Florida is known for its hot and humid climate, which makes mold contamination a prevalent issue. Public facilities must be held accountable for maintaining safe environments for their patrons. We believe that implementing mandatory mold testing and remediation standards will protect Florida's residents and visitors from the serious health risks posed by mold.

We urge Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida State Legislature, and the Florida Department of Health to take swift action to pass legislation that ensures the safety of all public shared spaces across the state.

Sign this petition to protect the health of Florida's citizens and to demand accountability from public facilities.

Sincerely,

Thomas Bowman Jr