| Keywords |
Airborne micro-organisms ; Residential building ; Building characteristics ; Indoor environmental factor ; Mould growth |
| Abstract |
Micro-organisms can survive indoor built environment when proper temperature and relative humidity are provided with appropriate nutrients. Airborne micro-organisms can be the causes of variety of infectious diseases, allergic symptoms, and toxic effects to humans. In addition, respiratory illnesses from airborne contaminants are one of common health problems to humans, particularly to children. The aim of this paper is to investigate current status and to analyze the causes of indoor airborne micro-organisms activities in residential buildings. The densities and distribution of airborne micro-organisms were monitored in 4 residential buildings. Monitored spaces in each building include living room, bathroom, balcony, and bedroom. Andersen sampler is used to collect viable samples of airborne bacteria and fungal spores monthly over a one year period. The significance test between indoor airborne micro-organisms activities and building characteristics, indoor environment of buildings was conducted using MINITAB. An analysis of the relationship between indoor airborne micro-organisms activities and visible mould growth was conducted as well. In this study, indoor airborne bacterial concentrations were higher than concentrations of indoor airborne fungi. The number of indoor airborne fungi and bacteria were higher in the summer than in the winter. this study showed that the higher concentrations of indoor airborne fungi in a house with visible mould growth than the one without visible mould growth. |