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WARNING
ICD-PX BMI50.1 – Compulsive Post-Training Building Moisture Inspection Disorder (BMI-itis)
Course May Cause
WARNING
ICD-PX BMI50.1 – Compulsive Post-Training Building Moisture Inspection Disorder (BMI-itis)
A post-educational phenomenon triggered by exposure to building science, moisture dynamics, measurements, building assembly failures, consequences, inspection & documentation - resulting in chronic inspection behavior and compulsive analysis of moisture-related anomalies.
Primary diagnostic indicators include:
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Carrying moisture detection equipment recreationally
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Observing building failures like crime-scene evidence
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Feeling compelled to document everything with photos and or video
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Difficulty not discussing the findings with random strangers while trying to explain the science of what is going on
BMI Warning
BMI-itis (Building Moisture Inspection-itis)
Upon completing the BMI course, some individuals develop a fictional benign but permanent condition known as BMI-itis. Those affected experience a heightened awareness of building science, moisture dynamics, building assembly failures, and consequences in every structure they enter. Common behaviors include spontaneous non-destructive testing, moisture mapping, unsolicited diagnosis of property problems, and emotional responses consequences related to moisture. The condition is non-fatal and often leads to improved building performance and occupant satisfaction. This condition can also be very frustrating to friends and family of those who have BMI-itis.
BMI-itis - Details & Explanations
Etiology (Cause)
Signs & Symptoms
Stages of
BMI-itis
Risk Factors
Treatment
BMI-itis is believed to result from acute exposure to building science, moisture physics, and systematic inspection methodology, combined with an enhanced awareness of construction defects and environmental risk factors.
Individuals with BMI-itis may experience one or more of the following:
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Sudden fixation on staining, discoloration, or surface anomalies
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Tendency to trace moisture pathways through ceilings, walls, flooring, or assemblies
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Compulsion to comment on grading, drainage, flashing, ventilation, or construction defects
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Carrying moisture meters, hygrometers, or IR cameras “just in case”
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Spontaneous water activity calculations in public
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Involuntary muttering of phrases such as:
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“That’s a capillary action issue.”
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“Negative pressure… definitely negative pressure.”
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“You’ve got vapor pressure movement happening here.”
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"This is another example of the laws of thermal dynamics."
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Anxiety when observing questionable construction practices
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Relief only when allowed to hypothesize, inspect, measure, or document
Stage 1 — Awareness
The individual begins noticing things “normal people” don’t see: baseboard swelling, efflorescence, staining, or condensation patterns.
Stage 2 — Mild Compulsion
They begin tapping walls, kneeling near plumbing penetrations, or checking under sinks for “educational purposes.”
Stage 3 — Metrical Dependency
The person starts carrying a moisture meter everywhere, including restaurants, hotels, and in-laws’ houses.
Stage 4 — Full Diagnostic Activation
The individual cannot comfortably occupy any building without mentally mapping vapor pressure, airflow, and drainage planes.
Stage 5 — Chronic BMI-itis
Symptoms become permanent. The person begins teaching others, correcting contractors, and referencing standards by section number.
Common risk are as follows:
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Attending a BMI course
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Talking to and or becoming friends with Gabriel Belanger or John Stowe
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Having a heart for helping people with compassion and care
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Exposure to case studies about building moisture inspections
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Ownership of an IR camera, thermo-hygrometer, multiple moisture meters
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Previously working in construction, restoration, inspection, insurance, engineering, and industrial hygiene.
There is no known cure, but symptom management may include:
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Performing a full building moisture inspection
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Teaching a BMI class
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Discussing building moisture inspections with industry peers
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Writing detailed reports that “finally get it all out”
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Joining online forums with others suffering the same condition
Relapses may occur after rainfall, construction defects, or walking into a humid building.
