The issue of mold growth has been transformed from a minor concern to a major liability despite lack of an objective measure for determining whether this ubiquitously present substance actually presents a health hazard. Testing procedures in current use invariably detect mold spores without accepted criteria to differentiate contamination from normal background. While the need for water-damage control is generally accepted, justification for extraordinary abatement methods remains unclear to many responsible for constructing, managing or maintaining buildings. At the same time, many healthcare professionals are uncertain about the significance of mold in their patients’ environment. Previous conferences dedicated to the discussion of mold have focused on litigation and commercially available testing and remediation services without resolving fundamental questions.
The ASTM Conference will, for the first time, highlight practical, science-based approaches for resolving building mold concerns. Presentations will focus on the importance of understanding building moisture, diagnosing occupant sensitivity , microbial testing (both use and misuse), selecting effective response measures, verifying water-damage restoration and critiquing current guidelines. ASTM Committee D22.08 hopes to follow-up the Conference with the development of realistic standards and suggestions for future research.
The Conference will be of interest to investigators (including hygienists, engineers, physicians, lab analysts and public health officials), as well as stakeholders such as building managers, insurors and public interest groups.
Registration information is available by contacting ASTM (hsparks@astm.org or 1-800-262-1373).
