CONCENTRATIONS OF AIRBORNE FUNGI IN 100 U.S. OFFICE BUILDINGS

摘要

Normative concentrations of airborne fungi were assessed using a standardized protocol in 100 large office buildings of the BASE (Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation) study. Both culturable fungi and fungal spores were measured in the mornings and the afternoons at one outdoor and three indoor sites for each building.Composite indoor and outdoor concentrations were calculated integrating the multiple samples collected at each building. Fungal concentrations were compared between locations, seasons, and two sampling and analytical methods. The average indoor/outdoor concentrations of culturable fungi and fungal spores were 99/679 CFU/m3 and 274/6,537 spore/m3, respectively. Fungal concentrations were generally higher outdoors and in summer.Relative concentration measurements were similar by culture and microscopic examination, but each approach provided unique information. The indoor fungal concentrations (e.g., 90%, 199 CFU/m3 or 206 spore/m3) of these representative office buildings may provide guidance in developing indoor bioaerosol guidelines for non-manufacturing office environments in the U.S.