About this program:

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Mold growing in indoor environments affects us. Understanding the available information that can help us approach the issue, and distinguish helpful professional guidance from vast, possibly unverified, internet information, is essential to manage the environment and reduce health risks. This session is designed to review possible health effects from mold exposure and share some approaches to assess problem indoor environments. We will cover some limitations to IAQ mold measurements, emphasize effective qualitative environmental assessment over air testing for mold, and include practical strategies for discussing mold IAQ concerns. Participants will learn about evaluating online information, understanding diverse stakeholder perspectives, and be guided to make informed decisions to better seek healthcare, identify needs for environmental change, and communicate indoor environment mold issues.

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What You'll Learn:

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By attending this program, you will learn:

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• Details about mold indoor exposures and illness, and the types of symptoms that suggest the need for health evaluation and environmental improvements

• How to access knowledgeable resources about fungus exposure and health

• Why it is important to identify stakeholders and the similarities and differences in their perspectives

• The efficacy of qualitative assessment for mold exposure and the limitations of mold measurements that indicate health risk

• "Risk messages" appropriate for a variety of stakeholders: individuals, health providers, assessors, remediators, employers, and community members

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About the Presenter:

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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 served as faculty for the U.S. EPA's 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/Intermediate/Advanced

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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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