My home is making me sick! Implications of poor indoor environment quality on mould growth

Abstract

It is estimated that 1 in 3 Australian homes displays excessive dampness and mould proliferation, representing a significant threat to human health (physical and psychological). This study aims to provide a snapshot of the current indoor air quality of Australian residential buildings regarding air pollutants and biological growth via a case study.Monitoring results indicate that buildings with a high concentration of fungal spores are also more likely to present poor indoor air quality levels, high concentrations of particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5) and CO2. Further, it suggests that the extensive mould damage may go inviable for too long posing a significant health hazard on people. This research suggests the need for the development of early detection strategies that could minimize the health hazard to people, thereby preventing the need for a major renovation.Peer-review under the responsibility of the organizing committee of the ICMB21.

Evaluating the Role of Particulate Matter as a Surrogate Index for Mould Spores in Residential Tenancy: Implications of New Legislation in Australia

“…A more recent study [9] aimed to assess the indoor air quality of Australian residential buildings, revealing that 1 in 3 homes displays excessive dampness and mould proliferation, posing a significant threat to both physical and psychological health. Monitoring results showed a correlation between high concentrations of fungal spores and poor indoor air quality levels, marked by elevated levels of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and CO2.…”