Episode 664: Joe Spurgeon, PhD - Surface Dust Samples, ERMI Scores and Assessing Mold Exposures

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admin
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Episode 664: Joe Spurgeon, PhD - Surface Dust Samples, ERMI Scores and Assessing Mold Exposures

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Show Resources: Show Discussion:

12:04:30 From cliff zlotnik : trivia- name the epa's technical contact for environmental measurement and modeling?
12:10:25 From joe : What should the physician an be qualified as i.e immunologist ,allergist etc.. or GP
12:50:43 From Dave Luce : Is this method in your book?
13:00:36 From Ralph Froehlich : Isn’t Wallemia semi present above your outpoint of 70%?
13:03:26 From Ralph Froehlich : CUT POINT
13:09:13 From Ralph Froehlich : Evaluating occupant exposure potential requires substantial sampling information which has not yet been assembled.
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CliffZ
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Re: Episode 664: Joe Spurgeon, PhD - Surface Dust Samples, ERMI Scores and Assessing Mold Exposures

Post by CliffZ »

Joe Spurgeon is an out of the box thinker.
Joe offers alternatives to methodologies he disagrees with.

My takeaways from Joe's presentation.
ERMI scores are being widely misused by IEPs. Misuse results in misinterpretation which is a huge disservice to our clients.
Characteristics of ERMI Scores
ERMI scores only apply to carpet dust sampled using a specific sampling method
Not to mixed surfaces sampled using a Swiffer
Results are reported on a Weight-Analyzed Basis rather than an Area Basis
Sample results not standardized, cannot be compared
Scores are calculated based on the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 fungi
Scores do not reflect total fungal loading or OEP
An ERMI score does not represent a unique fungal loading for assessing OEP


HOW WILL SAMPLE RESULTS BE USED?
Primary Objectives
To assess Building-Related Contamination (BRC)
Are the structure, systems, or contents contaminated?
To assess Occupant Exposure Potential (OEP)
Are there “Contaminants of Concern”?
Capable of causing adverse effects
Present at concentrations capable of causing those effects

A sample that is not representative of the fungal loading in an indoor space will not be representative of the occupant exposure potential in that space

IF THE RESULT IS TO BE MEANINGFUL
Need To Understand The “Sampling Rationale”
Why am I collecting this sample, in this location, using this sampler?
What do I expect to learn from the sample?
Why am I requesting this method of analysis?
Are there assessment guidelines or decision criteria?
Why am I using this method of data interpretation?

SUMMARY
ERMI scores have several limitations as currently applied in IAQ investigations
Only apply to carpet dust
Based on a specific sampling method
Reported using the weight-analyzed basis
Do not reflect total fungal loading

Z-Man signing off
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RadioJoe
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Re: Episode 664: Joe Spurgeon, PhD - Surface Dust Samples, ERMI Scores and Assessing Mold Exposures

Post by RadioJoe »

Always great to learn from Dr. Joe Spurgeon. All I can say is I hope more and more people learn from Joe's years of expertise. If only I had a magic wand and could get the industry to listen to Joe. And if only the alternative medicine docs would recognize the major issues with using ERMI Scores to assess occupant exposure potential.
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