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The influence of house characteristics in a Canadian community on microbiological contamination

Lawton, M. D., R. E. Dales, and J. White
1998
Indoor Air, 8: 2-11

Lawton, M. D., R. E. Dales, and J. White, (1998), "The influence of house characteristics in a Canadian community on microbiological contamination", Indoor Air, 8: 2-11.
Abstract:
Fifty-nine houses in the small Canadian community of Wallaceburg, 39 with high levels of biologically active contaminants and 20 with low levels, were subjected to detailed field inspections: testing to determine house-operating parameters; monitoring of indoor enviromental conditions; and simulating to predict the condensation formation potential under winter conditions. It was found that low air leakage and natural ventilation were not associated with higher levels of mold growth, as measured by ergosterol concentrations and airborne viable particulates. Analyses showed that moisture sources in the houses were a more significant factor in mold levels and dust mite anti-gen levels than relative humidity. Mold areas visible during in-spection were not a good predictor of ergosterol concentrations in dust, indicating that much of the mold growth was in hidden locations.
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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Lawton, M. D.
Mark D. Lawton, P. Eng Building Science Specialist and holds the position of Technical Director of Building Engineering of Morrison Hershfield Limited.
  1. A comparison of airborne ergosterol, glucan and Air-O-Cell data in relation to physical assessments of mold damage and some other parameters
  2. An evaluation guide for performance assessment of air barrier
  3. Convective processes in loose-fill attic insulation--metering equipment
  4. EASE demonstration project: APCHQ's advanced house
  5. Moldy houses - building science lessons from the Wallaceburg project
  6. Rain penetration control - applying current knowledge (rpc-00)
  7. Reacting to durability problems with Vancouver buildings
  8. Rotting wood framed apartments -- not just a Vancouver problem
  9. Stucco-clad wall drying experiment
  10. Testing of air barrier construction details  
Dales, R. E.
  1. A comparison of airborne ergosterol, glucan and Air-O-Cell data in relation to physical assessments of mold damage and some other parameters
  2. Adverse health effects in adults exposed to home dampness and molds
  3. Exposure measures for studies of mold and dampness and respiratory health
  4. Fungal contamination in public buildings: a guide to recognition and management
  5. Residential fungal contamination and health: Microbial cohabitants as covariates  
White, J.
  1. A toxic mold cleanup guide
  2. Moisture transport in walls: Canadian experience  


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