Association Between Reservoirs of Fungal Growth and Air Samples in Residential Structures.
Poovey, H., Mcguigan, F., Townsend, W. and Douglas, D.
2000
Poovey, H., Mcguigan, F., Townsend, W. and Douglas, D., (2000), "Association Between Reservoirs of Fungal Growth and Air Samples in Residential Structures.", .
Abstract:
When active fungal growth is identified in a residence, air sampling is often used to assist in assessing the extent to which the fungal spores have spread. It has been suggested that after the spores are generated at a reservoir or amplification site they are spread into adjoining areas by suspension into the air by occupant traffic and general air currents. Data collected from 108 fungal contaminated residences were examined to determine the correlation between reservoirs and elevated airborne fungal levels. Aspergillus/Penicillium spores were used as the indicator species for the analysis. Elevated air levels were determined by comparing levels of Aspergillus/Penicillium in indoor air samples to those found in outdoor air samples. Reservoirs for Aspergillus/ Penicillium were identified as locations with surface or dust samples with Aspergillus/ Penicillium spores. Analysis of the data showed that 70.4% of the residences had elevated airborne fungal contamination (indoor levels ranged from 67 to 6100 spores/m3) and identified reservoirs, 15.7% of the residences had elevated airborne fungal contamination (indoor levels ranged from 53 to 3083 spores/m3) but no identified reservoirs, 4.6% of the residences had identified reservoirs but no elevated air samples, and 9.6% of the residences had no elevated air samples (outdoor levels ranged from 50 to 767 spores/m3 and indoor levels ranged from <17 to 267 spores/m3) and no identified reservoirs.
There is a positive correlation between elevated airborne levels and confirmed reservoirs or amplification sites in the residences. This supports the use of air samples in determining the extent of spread of fungal spores in the residence and assists in the development of remedial action plans.
This publication in whole or part may be found online at: here.
