Susan Flappan started in the field of indoor air quality in 1997 when hired by the Allergy Department at Chidlren's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Her position entailed investigating why the symptoms of some astmatics were resistant to successful treatment. The head of the allergy section believed it could be something in the patient's home or school environment that was causing ongoing symptoms despite following the doctor's recommendations. It was quickly learned that the majority of patients had significant amounts of indoor mold exposures, often with molds that were considered toxic molds.
In 2000, Susan started Flappan Consulting, Inc, an environmental consulting company that specializes in indoor mold assessments for residences, businesses, and schools. In addition to doing onsite investigations, she also developed a reliable do-it-yourself mold test kit, called MOLDetect. This allowed people all over the country to test their own homes to learn if they were being exposed to abnormal levels or types of mold spores.
Susan applies her 15 years of experience as a medical technologist (MT ASCP), plus her 20 years of experience as an environmental hygienist (CIH), to assist people in finding environmental solutions to health issues related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). SBS is a condition where occupants experience adverse health effects linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified.