engleski

Airborne fungi in naturally ventilated and air-conditioned indoor spaces and outdoor air in Zagreb (June, 2002)

Airspora of several fungi are known to induce numerous human diseases such as chronic bronchitis, asthma, fungal allergies, hipersensitivity pneumonitis and aspergillosis. Research was carried out on the presence and variation in occurrence of airborne fungi in naturally ventilated houses (N=50) and apartments (N=50), air-conditioned buildings (N=50), and outdoor air (N=50) in Zagreb (June, 2002). Samples were collected using Air-sampler Mas 100 Eco (air flow rate 100 L/min) and Sabouraud agar plates. Samples were incubated at 250C+2, 5-7 days. The data obtained as colony forming units in cubic meter (CFU/m3), were statistically analysed by a one-way analysis of variance (repeated measures ANOVA) followed by a multiple comparison procedure (Bonferroni test). The Pearson correlation coefficiencies between the CFU/m3 in the indoor and outdoor samples were also analysed. Probability values less than 0, 05 (P<0, 05) were considered significant. The significantly higher airspora concentrations were found in naturally ventilated houses (275, 60 CFU/m3) and apartments (186, 20 CFU/m3), and outdoor air (277, 10 CFU/m3), than in air-conditioned buildings (49, 06 CFU/m3) (P<0, 001). Airspora belonging to 16 fungal genera were identified, and allergologicaly significant fungi, Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, and Aspergillus were dominated in all sampling sites. Cladosporium, Penicillium and Alternaria was found in significantly lower concentrations in air-conditioned buildings then in other sampling fields (P<0, 05). Air-conditioned systems, which are well-designed and well-maintained, can prevent and reduce the airspora indoor concentrations.

Airborne fungi; Fungal allergies; Aspergillosis; Air-conditioning; Outdoor air

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