Understanding the Language of Mold Assessment Reports

Training Provided by Lorman Education Services nLaymen and professionals who do not deal with mold assessment reports on a regular basis are likely to struggle with understanding the language presented in a mold assessment report. They may be prone to accepting the written word of the consultant at face value, without question. This would be a mistake for anyone. For others it could be considered negligent and result in liability. Far too many mold assessment reports are produced by nonscientists. As a group, nonscientists often do not appreciate the limitations inherent to microbial sampling and they often fail to communicate to their clients the inherent uncertainties associated with mold sampling, analysis and the interpretation of laboratory results. The consultant's background and the laboratory's history and experience must always be questioned. If taken to task, would these parties survive a Daubert Motion? If not, their "evidence" could be deemed unqualified and any future testimony as an expert could be excluded in a future legal proceeding. Why would an unqualified consultant or an unqualified laboratory be selected in the first place, and how might this affect the outcome of a possible legal matter? n nThis teleconference will help you understand the most commonly used language, units of measurement and terminology in use today. It explains the basic terminology and reporting units which must be understood by decision-making laymen, such as building owners and property managers, and by professionals, including attorneys, consultants and architects. It is intended to present the inherent limitations associated with microbial sampling and many of the problems commonly associated with the interpretation of laboratory results. Unfortunately, too often these limitations and problems are not discussed or presented in the written report. This teleconference will assist those dealing with mold management issues in making critical decisions prior to retaining mold consulting services and it is intended to help you avoid liability. For those presently involved in a legal matter who may be struggling with a set of mold assessment documents in hand, this workshop may help make or break a case. n nLearning Objectives n- You will be able to review mold assessment reports and understand fundamental terms. n- You will be able to explain limitations associated with mold sampling and interpretation of sample results. n- You will be able to interpret results, conclusions, recommendations and actions based upon report findings. n- You will be able to propose why science and statistics matter and why professional judgment is important to mold reports.

Understanding the Language of Mold Assessment Reports Agenda

1. Why Understanding the Language Presented in Mold Assessment Reports Is Critical
1. Reviewing Mold Assessment Reports and Knowing the Fundamental Terms
2. Reviewing and Understanding the Basic Arithmetic That Laboratory Reporting Units Are Based Upon
3. Why Using Language That Produces an Emotional Response Has No Proper Place in an Objective Scientific Report
4. Understanding and Addressing the Inherent Limitations Associated With Mold Sampling, Analysis and the Interpretation of Sample Results
2. Why Science and Statistics Matter
1. Interactions Between Organisms and Their Environment
1. Understanding of Indoor Ecology Is Critical to the Appropriate Interpretation of Analytical Results
2. The Presentation of Findings Must Be Sound, Clear and Objective
3. Conclusions Must Be Defensible
4. Appropriate Recommendations and Remedial Actions Are Based Upon Sound Findings and Conclusions
2. If Collected, Samples Must Be Taken Within the Context of a Scientific Hypothesis That Can Be Tested, Proved or Disproved; If Analytical Results Are Inconclusive, This Must Be Stated in the Report
3. Interpreting Numerical Sampling Results and Ecological Relationships Are the Domains of Experts, Not Technicians
4. Why Professional Judgment Is Important and Who Should Render It
3. Why Everything in a Mold Assessment Report Should Be Questioned
1. Background of the Consultant and Laboratory, and Methods Used to Gather and Produce Data
2. The Interpretation of Results Must Be Questioned Because It Forms the Basis of the Report's:
1. Findings
2. Conclusions
3. Recommendations
4. Actions Based Upon the Report's Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations
3. Case Study Examples Illustrating Questionable Findings, Recommendations, Conclusions and Actions

About The Training Provider: Lorman Education Services

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