Professional judgment and the interpretation of viable mold air sampling data

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Occupational Health
• Indoor Air Quality

Background:

• Interpreting mold air sampling data is complex, lacking established exposure limits and standardized statistical methods.
• Indoor air quality (IAQ) investigators often rely on personal judgment due to the absence of a consensus decision strategy.
• Data variability in mold sampling makes formal statistical analysis difficult and error-prone.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the agreement level among IAQ practitioners in evaluating airborne mold sampling data.
• To explore variations in how different investigators interpret mold sampling results.
• To identify factors influencing the interpretation of mold air sampling data.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen IAQ investigators independently assessed 30 sets of viable mold air sampling results.
• Respondents categorized results into five distinct conclusions regarding indoor mold sources.
• Kappa coefficient analysis and generalized linear mixed models were used to analyze inter-evaluator reliability and response patterns.

Main Results:

• Weak inter-observer reliability was found using Kappa coefficient analysis.
• Significant differences were observed in the overall scoring patterns among investigators.
• Specific data traits were associated with ratings, but distinct, divergent response patterns emerged between evaluators.

Conclusions:

• There is a low overall agreement among professionals when evaluating mold air sampling data.
• Individual practitioners exhibit substantial differences in their interpretation criteria and decision-making processes.
• Further research is needed to develop a consensus strategy for interpreting mold sampling data and establishing decision criteria.