About this program:

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Mold!  Reading social media and internet posts about mold; listening to community concerns whether in school meetings with parents and teachers, in hurricane response and rebuilding efforts, in office staffing problem-solving videocasts; or just talking with friends- about concerns over “black mold” and illnesses--- all can be very scary!  Being aware of environmental contributors to illness is valuable.  Knowledge about reducing unhealthy exposures supports health.  What about mold is important to understand for health?  How do you best assess the problem of mold indoors and fix the environment?  This discussion will highlight the relationship of mold exposure to health, provide tips on finding information to best address the environmental problem, and guide you in managing and communicating associated risk.  Attending will be valuable for many stakeholders; individuals with health concerns, healthcare providers, environmental technicians and industrial hygienists, remediation contractors, school community members, office occupants and homeowners.

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What You'll Learn:

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• How to appreciate the need to evaluate internet available information about fungus exposure and health, and become aware of current resources including peer-reviewed literature

• Identify similarities and differences among stakeholder perspectives

• Become aware of the efficacy of qualitative assessment for mold exposure

• Gain knowledge about fungus to better appreciate the limitations of mold measurements

• Apply components of "risk messages" appropriate for a variety of stakeholders: individuals; health providers, assessors and remediators; and employers

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About the Presenters:

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Initially, Paula Schenck, focused on threats to water and air quality and effects on human health. As Vice President at TRC Companies, she worked to reduce industrial impacts on the environment. After completing her MPH, she became part of the UConn Health Occupational Medicine team. She co-founded the Center for Indoor Environments and Health and co-authored Guidance for Clinicians on Addressing Mold Concerns. She currently advises physicians at the UConn Occupational Health Clinic on mold exposure, identifies environmental interventions and facilitates risk communication. She has taught Environmental Health, developed a web-based course for clinicians on mold exposure and preventing respiratory disease, and for EPA served as faculty for national Tools for Schools symposiums and Mold and Moisture trainings. Paula’s work has encompassed policy, education, patient care, and problem solving- all focused on reducing environmental contributors to illness for teachers, factory workers, office personnel and individuals.

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Program Level: Basic

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Content Areas: All Buildings; Impact of Mold on Human Health; Mold Analysis Practices and Interpreting Mold Testing Results; Mold Communications: Managing Occupant Concerns; Risk Communication

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