Moldy buildings, health of their occupantsand fungal prevention

Mihinova, Daniela; Piecková, Elena

doi:10.4149/bll_2012_073

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 25 publications

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“…In buildings, the fungal growth was observed in deteriorated painted wall surfaces, ceiling tiles, broken insulations and any moisture retaining structures (Elumalai et al, 2014;Mihinova and Pieckova, 2012). To control fungal growth on damp walls, use of fungicides is recommended.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scenario of Aspergillus Indoor Contamination in Pakistan (2000- 2020) – A Review

Shafique¹,

Mukhtar²,

Hani³

et al. 2020

Env.cont.Reviews

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Bioaerosols in indoor environment include substantial portion of fungi which are considered as “hidden killers”. Pakistan like other countries, also bears the atrocities of fungi and their mycotoxins and suffers more due to its favourable climate, weak economy and unawareness. Genus Aspergillus of Fungi is quite important and is predominant in indoor environment, along with Penicillium. There are not adequate research studies on the indoor micro-floral composition, however, the available data shows that numerous Aspergillus species are found inside the buildings whether they be houses, hospitals, laboratories, cafeteria or slaughterhouses. The mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species include aflatoxins, fumonisins, citrinin, ochratoxins and cyclopiazonic acid. They are mainly carcinogenic and cause various diseases like aflatoxicosis, pentaketide nephrotoxin, and necrosis. To avoid such issues, fungal growth should be avoided by controlling temperature and humidity. In addition, fungicides, ultraviolet radiation or essential oils can be used against fungi. The condition of the buildings can also be adjusted to minimize fungal growth like building material, ventilation system, wall paint and hygiene. The database of the country is not satisfactory with insignificant laws and regulation. To estimate the potential risks of Aspergillus species and their mycotoxins, regular monitoring is required at all levels. It will also help to devise solutions related to health and environment related problems.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scenario of Aspergillus Indoor Contamination in Pakistan (2000- 2020) – A Review

Shafique¹,

Mukhtar²,

Hani³

et al. 2020

Env.cont.Reviews

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It is known that most fungal species present in indoor environments come from outdoor sources [23]. Although only a fraction of fungal species present in outdoor environments has been detected in indoor environments [67], numerous health effects have been attributed to these indoor fungi [27, 52, 59]. The presence of these pathogenic fungal species can lead to mycotoxins (such as ochratoxin, gliotoxin, sterigmatocystin, and trichothecenes) and VOCs, which can increase the prevalence of diseases [25, 64].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…versicolor , and A . fumigatus [16, 25, 52]. Total DNA was extracted from 500 mg of fungi growing on each of the gypsum boards using the FastDNA SPIN Kit for Soil (MP, Biomedicals, LLC, Solon, OH, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental factors influencing fungal growth on gypsum boards and their structural biodeterioration: A university campus case study

et al. 2019

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The new era in the design of modern healthy buildings necessitates multidisciplinary research efforts that link principles of engineering and material sciences with those of building biology, in order to better comprehend and apply underlying interactions among design criteria. As part of this effort, there have been an array of studies in relation to the effects of building characteristics on indoor microbiota and their propensity to cause health issues. Despite the abundance of scientific inquiries, limited studies have been dedicated to concomitantly link these effects to the deterioration of ‘structural integrity’ in the building materials. This study focuses on the observed biodeteriorative capabilities of indoor fungi upon the ubiquitous gypsum board material as a function of building age and room functionality within a university campus. We observed that the fungal growth significantly affected the physical (weight loss) and mechanical (tensile strength) properties of moisture-exposed gypsum board samples; in some cases, tensile strength and weight decreased by more than 80%. Such intertwined associations between the biodeterioration of building material properties due to viable indoor fungi, and as a function of building characteristics, would suggest a critical need towards multi-criteria design and optimization of next-generation healthy buildings. Next to structural integrity measures, with a better understanding of what factors and environmental conditions trigger fungal growth in built environment materials, we can also optimize the design of indoor living spaces, cleaning strategies, as well as emergency management measures during probable events such as flooding or water damage.

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“…and Temperature affects the concentration and presence of fungi in indoor environment. Moisture control is the best method of reducing fungal growth in indoor environment [7]. This is because once water that enters buildings comes in contact with building materials it is drawn through the pores or capillaries by absorption a condition which favours the growth of fungi.…”

Section: Humiditymentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Fungal Concentrations Associated with Relative Humidity and Temperature Variations in the Indoor Environment

Maureen

Enweani-Nwokelo

Oshim

et al. 2021

IJTDH

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Background: Indoor environmental factors and human activities influence the presence and concentration of fungal propagules which may lead to the risk of developing respiratory infections and allergic reactions. Aim/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors that influence indoor fungal composition and determine its association with the development of respiratory and allergic reactions. Methodology: A total of 549 air samples and 226 nasal swabs of occupants were examined using health base questionnaire, malt extract agar and A6 single stage microbial air sampler. House dampness, mould growth on indoor materials, temperature, relative humidity, type of ventilation, type of human activity, and location of building were found to affect the prevalence and diversity of indoor fungi. Results: A total of 55, 46 and 50 species of fungi were isolated from homes, offices and hospitals respectively. High fungal count, were recorded in homes with moisture problems, low temperature and high relative humidity and homes located in high density areas. High cases of respiratory health problems were reported by occupants of these homes. Conclusion: Improvement in housing and establishment of awareness programmes can be used to lower fungal load and health problems associated with dampness in homes.It is necessary to maintain and prevent the housekeeping activities that can predispose fungal concentration in indoor environment.

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Moldy buildings, health of their occupantsand fungal prevention

Cited by 4 publications

References 25 publications

Scenario of Aspergillus Indoor Contamination in Pakistan (2000- 2020) – A Review

Scenario of Aspergillus Indoor Contamination in Pakistan (2000- 2020) – A Review

Environmental factors influencing fungal growth on gypsum boards and their structural biodeterioration: A university campus case study

Assessment of Fungal Concentrations Associated with Relative Humidity and Temperature Variations in the Indoor Environment

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