The Homework I Give My Clients
Got Questions? Looking for Answers? Start Here.
A Message From Brian
Every week, I speak with homeowners, renters, homebuyers, physicians, remediators, and mold-sensitive individuals looking for answers.
Some are concerned about mold. Others are trying to understand indoor air quality, mycotoxins, water-damaged buildings, or unexplained health symptoms. Many have spent hours researching online only to find conflicting information and more questions than answers.
Over the years, I’ve noticed that many of the same questions come up again and again.
That’s why I created this page.
Think of this as a primer on mold, indoor air quality, environmental exposures, and the factors that can affect both buildings and the people inside them. The resources below are some of the articles, videos, and educational materials I most often recommend because they answer many of the questions I get asked every week. They also provide a deeper understanding of mold, indoor air quality, mycotoxins, and environmental exposures than most of the information you’ll find online.
Whether you’re trying to understand a recent water damage event, preparing for an inspection, or simply looking for reliable information, I hope you’ll find these resources helpful.
If you still have questions after reviewing these materials, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help.
— Brian Suggs, owner, NWA Mold Inspector
Step 1: Start With These Articles
Building a Foundation to Understand Illness and Indoor Air Quality
The articles below answer many of the questions people have about mold, mycotoxins, environmental exposures, and why some indoor environmental problems are often overlooked. The information will likely answer a lot of your questions.
What Most People Get Wrong About Mycotoxins
When people think about indoor environmental issues, mold spores and mycotoxins usually get most of the attention.
But buildings are complex systems, and mold is only one piece of the puzzle.
Modern indoor air quality investigations can evaluate a wide range of environmental factors that may affect occupants, including airborne particulates, bacteria, endotoxins, VOCs, and other contaminants. Understanding that there could be more than just mold and mycotoxins in an indoor environment helps explain why some situations require a more thorough investigation and more advanced testing.
Read The ArticleGenomics: Why Some People Are More Sensitive Than Others
Why do two people live in the same mold-contaminated home, yet one becomes sick while the other appears unaffected?
Genetics plays a role in how the body responds to environmental exposures. Understanding genomics makes it possible to tailor your healing according to your genes and ensure the right levels of mold testing and remediation are implemented
Read The ArticleWhy I’ve Never Seen Wallemia sebi on a Swab — And Why That Matters
One of the most overlooked molds in indoor environments is often missed by traditional sampling methods. Learn why Wallemia is different, where it hides, and why qPCR dust-based testing can reveal what swabs and other sampling methods cannot.
Read The ArticleStep 2: Watch This Full-Length Class
Learn From One of the Leading Voices in Environmental Medicine
This in-depth presentation by Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA, Medical Director of Integrative Medicine at The George Washington University and Chair of the NORMI™ Medical Advisory Board, explores the relationship between environmental exposures, indoor air quality, mold, mycotoxins, genetics, and human health.
The class provides valuable context for understanding why some individuals appear to be more sensitive to indoor environmental conditions than others. Approximate viewing time is one hour.
Step 3: Take the Vision Test
A Screening Tool Used by Many Environmental Medicine Practitioners
The Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) Test is an online screening tool (not a diagnostic tool) used by many healthcare practitioners who treat patients with environmentally acquired illnesses. The test evaluates a person’s ability to distinguish subtle differences in contrast and shading, an area that may be affected in some individuals with chronic environmental exposures.
The test takes ten minutes and is free to take the first time.
A passing VCS test does not rule out mold exposure or health effects from mold and other environmental contaminants. Likewise, a failed VCS test does not automatically prove mold exposure or mold illness.
Like any screening tool, the VCS test is most useful when considered alongside symptoms, medical evaluation, building history, and environmental testing.
Step 4: What To Do Next
Let’s Talk About Your Situation
Every building is different.
Some have active water damage. Some have hidden mold from past leaks. Others have HVAC contamination, crawlspace humidity issues, failed remediation, or indoor air quality concerns that aren’t obvious at first glance.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d be happy to discuss your situation and help point you in the right direction.
