The Fungal Research Group Foundation (FRGF) and Scientific Program Committee is announcing the Call for Abstracts for the 2011 Conference Meeting to be held September 6 – September 9, 2011 in Saratoga Springs, New York, USA. The special themes of the conference meeting are: check out

Bioaerosol.org

Since our meeting in 2003, the body of knowledge regarding indoor and occupational microbial exposure (fungi, bacteria and their allergenic, irritant and toxic by-products) and related diseases with important public health implications has grown significantly. Diseases such as allergy, asthma, inflammatory lung diseases, infections, and cases of mycotoxicosis and neurological or vascular disorders continue to be associated with exposure to bioaerosols. Complex reactions and interactions that result in adverse human health reactions pose great challenges to investigators, clinicians and public health officials.

Large scale natural disasters caused be storms and flooding that led to significant water damage and microbial contamination of homes and buildings have occurred in many countries throughout the world: USA (Mississippi, New Orleans, Iowa, North-Carolina, etc.), Pakistan, India, China, England, Poland, Germany, France, Belgium, and elsewhere. In addition to the human tragedy, the costs and technical challenges for cleaning and restoration are tremendous. How do we effectively protect the clean-up workers and the building occupants from harmful microbial contaminants (bacteria, mold, bio-toxins) and exposures?

We have learned that poor building and ventilation designs or maintenance, can contribute to increased microbial indoor exposure. Furthermore, the use of water-sensitive materials in areas with hot and humid climates, inadequate resources, as well as deficient renovation of existing architectural designs are factors that can lead to indoor mold growth. This has raised international concern about the impact of bioaerosols on the building occupants and workers’ health.

This 2011 conference will address state of art research and practical experience to improve the understanding of microbials (bacteria, mold, bio- and mycotoxins), determine important agents and diagnosis of adverse human health effects, as well as explore new treatment approaches, and the control and prevention of such exposure. Scientific advances and knowledge gaps will be discussed. Future research priorities will be developed.

Precious artwork, books, paper documents and furniture contaminated with biologicals (mold, etc.) often contribute to occupant’s exposure and patient complaints. Chemicals (called biocides) intended to kill bacteria and mold also are often harmful to humans and the environment. Little attention has been paid to these issues in hygiene practices and the systematic approach varies in the unregulated cleaning and restoration industry. Some say “a building keeps a memory” of a contamination, even after careful clean up! Some even suggest that such buildings or items should be condemned and destroyed. We would like to explore the scientific basis for safe materials and practice for the cleaning workers, users and building occupants. Clearance criteria for re-occupancy and re-use shall be critically reviewed and any minimum consensus will be explored.

This meeting will connect internationally-recognized researchers and leading investigators with “front line” practitioners and consultants addressing “real world” problems. We will explore the scientific basis for what we do and recommend.

Scientific Program and Conference Themes

We encourage abstracts in all areas of public or occupational health related to indoor and outdoor air quality and bioaerosols (see Conference Introduction). We are also interested in abstracts that focus on the special 2011 Conference Meeting themes. Abstracts should be no more than 500 words and must include a measurable learning objective. Please read the Call for Abstracts carefully.

All abstracts must be submitted online. An easy to use online form will walk you through the process step-by-step. The site is now open so you may link directly to the abstract submission form at Bioaerosol.org. Authors must provide complete and accurate contact information in order to be notified of abstract status on April 15.

Please note, the deadline for submission of abstracts range is March 15, 2011. We welcome your submission and look forward to your contribution.