WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor direct the Secretary of the Department of Health and
Mental Hygiene promptly to appoint a special investigative
committee to investigate and evaluate the indoor air quality of
State office the Environment to establish a task force to study
and evaluate the problem of indoor air quality of public
buildings; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the special investigative committee task
force appointed by the Secretary prepare and submit a written
report of its findings to the Secretary, including specific
recommendations for legislation or regulations to be adopted to
ensure the fullest possible protection of the health and welfare
of State employees the citizens of the State required to work in
State office public buildings on a daily basis; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary submit the report of the
special investigative committee task force to the Governor, the
President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
Delegates on or before December 31, 1988.

WHEREAS, It has been estimated that most Americans spend
approximately 90 percent of their time indoors; and

WHEREAS, Beginning in the late 1970's, as interest in energy
conservation increased, new weatherization and building
tightening techniques were developed; and

WHEREAS, While these energy conservation methods did reduce
our energy needs they also contributed to the trapping and
buildup of indoor air pollutants because of the lack of
appropriate ventilation; and

WHEREAS, Additional attention needs to be focused on the
causes and solutions to "Sick Building Syndrome" where the indoor
air in office buildings and schools is adversely affecting the
health of the occupants; and

WHEREAS, Indoor air pollution presents an increased risk to
the health of the elderly, women, and children who spend much of
their days indoors; and

WHEREAS, Indoor air pollution thus constitutes a real threat
to the health and well-being of virtually every American; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Governor is required to establish a Task Force on Indoor Air
Quality to study the existence of dangerous levels of indoor air
pollution in homes and buildings in Maryland, including but not
limited to respirable particulates such as asbestos fibers,
allergens and pathogen, vapors and gases such as carbon
monoxide, formaldehyde, radon, nitrogen oxide and other volatile

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