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Evaluation

IAQ & Healthy Homes

Breakout 7

Mold Detection Strategies and Asthma Interventions Informed by the Indoor Microbiome

Presentation

Wednesday, April 15, 2026
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM  
Location: A220 - 222 (Level 2)
CE: 1
CEU Type(s): BPI, BSI, INTERNACHI, NARI, RESNET
Exposure of asthmatics to mold in housing costs $22.4 billion per year. Accurately diagnosing mold damage is critical for everyone, especially those with asthma. Most mold detection methods work through identifying fungal taxa/species. Our research has demonstrated that measurement of fungal function outperforms species-based metrics. In this interactive workshop, participants will gain an improved understanding of the fundamentals of fungal growth in indoor spaces and explore a novel, evidence-based approach to identifying buildings with moisture problems.

Participants will:


  • Gain knowledge about fungal growth dynamics in indoor spaces and new research connecting indoor conditions, fungal function, and asthma symptoms.

  • Learn about current efforts to develop a laboratory-based assay to identify these targets in dust and evaluate the usefulness of “healthy home" interventions for those with asthma.

  • Work in teams to build consensus on current mold assessment challenges and the necessary components for future solutions.


Future systems will be evaluated in homes of children with asthma. These assessments will include evaluations of when, how, and why interventions are effective for asthma control. Ultimately, this approach can transform mold detection practices, enabling more targeted interventions and improved occupant health.

Learning Objectives:

By attending this session, attendees will:
  • Understand that moisture is the limiting factor for fungal growth in indoor spaces
  • Recognize that excess moisture in buildings results in larger changes to fungal function than fungal community structure
  • Explore novel mold detection strategies and interventions developed based on a refined understanding of the indoor microbiome