World Health Organization says mold is a health hazard. That ends the argument IMHO.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by mlarson

I've seen you emploly similar tactics.

Too bad.

I don't try to convince people I am an objective scientist. He does.

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by jbushart

I don't try to convince people I am an objective scientist. He does.

Are you questioning his opinions in scientific matters?

If so then why not support a debate between equals?

[James E. Braun, CMI]

The sad part is, that when Mr.Connell's name is mentioned to top mold experts, they just shake their heads and laugh. To have an effective debate with somebody, you have to be able to take him seriously. Sad but true.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by mlarson

Are you questioning his opinions in scientific matters?

If so then why not support a debate between equals?

How many respected scientists do you know who hang out with Ray Wand at Inspectionews.com ?

He used to hang out here, for some reason. Now he hangs out there. All because he doesn't believe that home inspectors should be in the mold/radon business.

You would think such an academic would be seeking higher level audiences than a bunch made up mostly of former contractors who needed a second career for various reasons.

[rbibler]

Originally Posted by jbushart

How many respected scientists do you know who hang out with Ray Wand at Inspectionews.com ?

He used to hang out here, for some reason. Now he hangs out there. All because he doesn't believe that home inspectors should be in the mold/radon business.

You would think such an academic would be seeking higher level audiences than a bunch made up mostly of former contractors who needed a second career for various reasons.

Hi James Please don't put everyone in the same basket. I've been an Inspector for more then 30 plus years. around before any of the web site boards, around before any Inspection association or any SOP. I do not do mould testing. I do home inspection and Calif. Branch 3 WDO Building inspection. In all my years as an inspector the one thing that I find to be a harm to the HI Industry is Mould testing. I have look long and hard at this issue with an open mind. Ive worked around mold and removed more mold infected materials then just about any man around. Been doing that back when i was 16. My point is if something is TOXIC it needs to be TOXIC to all not just one in a billion.

I think that at some point the table is going to turn on inspectors that do this mold testing. The information is getting out that mold testing is not in the best of Science. The reports are a mess the information is just about useless and is providing no information that a home owner can use. I can back this up.
If you go into any bathroom you will find mold... This is a fact.
I do not need to test anything. Now why is the mold in any/all bathroom
( MOISTURE ) We should not take peoples money and give them useless information. But give them sound advise. ID all moisture as this is part of the SOP. and what you should be inspecting for. if you find some mold note in in your report ID the moisture source and advise the buyers to correct the moisture and remove and replace the infected materials.

This is my opinion...

P.S.
I find Mr Caoimhín P. Connell To be a very smart man. But just a man like you and me. From some of the correspondences I have had with him. Its my opinion he is only trying to help inspectors be informed of his research.

I have had my opinion for a long time. I just don't want the general public come after H.I. Once they find out they have been taken for a ride by
useless mold testing.

I would like to see all our NACHI HI Get into this debate...

A good man will ponder all things.

Best

Ron

[James H. Bushart]

If I were to buy me a test kit, contract with a lab and begin to do mold testing......it would, indeed, be a sham worthy of consumer recoil. I am neither educated or trained - nor do I possess the tools and equipment that is required of one who will be taking controlled samples of organic substances he suspects to be mold and I have no business charging people to do it.

Like you...I have read posts on this message board and have had personal conversations with home inspectors who have "added" this "service" to their offerings to the public as if it were a new flavor of ice cream, and who are barely as or more qualified than I am.

However, I also know a mold inspector and remediator in my state who employs a forensic scientist and who has invested tremendously in his education and tools. He is also a member of this association. Thus, Connel's generalizations and demeaning remarks are inappropriate, inaccurate, and reflect poorly upon him.