Danish research program: Micro Fungi and indoor air - release of spores

Growth of micro fungi in water damaged buildings may be a cause of indoor air problems. Toxic and allergenic compounds from the fungi may be released as particles (e.g. spores), together with volatile organic compounds. The effect on the indoor environment caused by growth of fungi will depend on this particle release. The release of spores and other fungi related components from water damaged building materials has not yet been characterized sufficiently detailed for the performance of risk assessment.

As a part of the Danish research program "Moulds in buildings", the release of fungi spores from growth on building materials is measured at well-defined conditions. Based on the methods and results from the "Moulds in buildings" program, the present project will study the relationships between the spore release and the age of the growing fungi, and the spore release as function of the airflow. These relationships are essential for risk assessment in water damaged buildings.

The project will add new knowledge to our understanding of the impact growth of fungi may have on the indoor air. Especially when the growth is limited it may be difficult to assess the health risk. The results of the study will be applied for a guidance on the assessment of exposure risk