Sick building Syndrome Symposium

The Sick Building Syndrome Symposium held during the American Academy of Forensic Science(AAFS)meeting last week in DC was a overwhelming success. It ran two days and included over 12 speakers. Each day the session filled up. I would estimate that over 200 people showed up over the course of the two days. Talks ranged from standard indoor air investigations for mold and other non-biological particles to the psychology and health effects of poor indoor air quality. I discussed the use of DNA to detect 36 species of mold from settled dust indoors. Below is a list of topics and presenters.

Thursday's Sessions:

Opening Remarks by Session Organizer, Walter E. Goldstein, PhD, MBA, PE

Multidisciplinary Symposium on Sick Building Syndrome.
by David M. Benjamin, PhD

Studies of Building Related Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms in Relation to Dampness and Microbial Contamination of Indoor Environments.
by Jean M. Cox-Ganser, PhD

Psychiatric Issues in Toxic Building Syndrome.
by Joseph N. Kenan, MD and Daniel A. Martell, PhD

Forensic Investigations on Mold Growth in Damp Buildings.
by Philip R. Morey, PhD

Sick Building Syndrome.
by Gary R. Brown, BS

Mold and Moisture Control-EPA Voluntary Guidance.
by Laura Kolb, MPH

The Analysis of Microbial Volatile Organic Chemicals From Mold Using Air Canisters and Gas Chromatography.
by Jack Cochran, BS

Friday's Session (I was the moderator)

Summary of First Half-Day Presentations and Second Half Day Agenda.
by Walter E. Goldstein, PhD, MBA, PE

Sampling for Airborne and Surface-Associated Microorgansims.
Mark Buttner, PhD

A Rapid High Volume Sampler for Trace VOCs Collection in the Field.
by Brian A. Eckenrode, PhD

Analysis of Bioaerosol Samples.
by Patricia Cruz, PhD. Presented by Mark Buttner, PhD

Use of Microscopy in the Sick Building Syndrome Investigations.
by James Millette, PhD

ERMI and MSQPCR: State-of-the-Art DNA Mold Diagnostics for Use in the Science of Building Forensics.
by Edward A. Sobek, PhD

Panel Discussion- Potential Solutions to Sick Building Syndrome Challenges.
Included all Speakers that were present

Indoor Forensics Debut

I'm sure by now that most people are aware that the average American spends nearly 90% of their lives indoors. I'm also sure that you have been bombarded by the media with talk concerning indoor molds, sick building syndrome, allergens, VOCs, lead, etc. I hope to post some interesting facts about indoor air in relation to many of these problems, but instead of the "crazy killer mold", I will take a scientific approach and provide meaningful information to help people take a proactive approach towards ensuring that the air they breath indoors is healthy.

Most home and property owners aren't aware that they can do a lot own their own to minimize the risk associated with indoor air contaminates. These are the types of things I will focus on. I like to do things myself rather than call an inspector who will most likely tell me I have a problem, but leaves me with no solution. I'm not being cheap, I am in the business and know that while there are many good inspectors out there, there are many more who should not ever be allowed in someones home. We homeowners need to take care of our houses as if they are extensions of our bodies. After all, they makeup our environment. A sick house stricken with water leaks, and afflicted with chemicals from particle board, and various household chemicals can and do make people ill. They often aren't aware of it, and will spend a lot of money at the local doctor's office, when all they had to do was clean out their gutters 3-4 times per year.

I will try to do my best get get some good info out to you and hope you will respond with questions and comments that make this blog a great place for educating the public towards a healthy indoor environment.