Seeking answer to tough questions

[Guest guest]

Sick Building Group Members,

IAQ List Group,

A person who regularly posts on this chatboard made some statements

on another chatboard. He often points others to his personel

webpages that appear to be complete but, I think otherwise. I would

like to hear your invaluable comments - sans the unnecessary personal

attacks.

1) Caoimhin Connel stated in a post (on another chatboard) that he

designed a sampling strategy or method for microbial sampling that is

now used by others nationwide. Can anyone tell us the method or

protocol he is referring-to?

2) I have read that " immune compromised individuals "

should be removed from the premises in moldy environments -

especially if they have problems with the liver. I recall

reading this in " Bioaerosols: Assessment and Control

(1999). I remember it cited several times in the book. Is

the American Conference of Governmental Industrial

Hygienists (www.acgih.org) wrong in this situation for a

person like a woman who recently posted a question on another

chatboard and stated she has a liver problem? Why?

3) How can Caoimhin Connel claim to have statistical certainty

or " 95% confidence " for mold when there are over 200 species each

of Penicillium and Aspergillus? This is especially amazing

when you consider these two genuses (Sp?) are the second

and third most common types of mold genus to exist in most

air samples taken just about anywhere in America if the

samples are cultured for identification (B. Shelton). Is

statitistical certainty more important than rank and order? Is this

economically viable for the common homeowner who is protecting the

biggest investments in their lifetimes - their 40 year mortgaged home

and their health. I am aware " 95% confidence " is a statistical model

used. I think methods used in chemistry and particulate sampling are

often misused.

4) How can Caoimhin Connel's personal webpages on " Mold and IAQ "

claim outdoor air has no impact on a closed

building? In the mixed climates and the humid climates,

there is a period of time when there is indoor/outdor

temperature equalibrium and the HVAC system does not run

since it is controled by a thermostat in the center of the

home. Consequently, there is no moisture control

(humidity) and houses can develop negative air pressure

because of the constant positive air pressure created by

natural crosswinds (10 MPH minimum). This means microbes

are pulled into the home. Unless anyone knows of homes built

tight enough to keep this from happening, how can Caoimhin Connel

claim the outside and inside don't relate for a closed building?

Is the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-

conditioning Engineers (www.ashrae.org) wrong and Caoimhin Connel is

the only person in the world who can prove otherwise?

These are just some of the questions I have for you. Enquiring minds

want to know. Thank you for all postings that can be professional,

curteous and give good reference.

Regards,

Greg Weatherman

Arlington VA 22202

gw@...