Effects of indoor air temperature, relative humidity and home dampness on airborne fungi in 454 residences from Shanghai, China

摘要

During 2013-2014, we collected air samples for airborne fungi from 454 residences with young children. We also measured indoor air temperature and relative humidity, and inspected dampness-related indicators in these residences. The averaged concentration (mean ± SD) of airborne fungi in child's bedroom (n=445) and living room (n=436) was 310 ± 313 cfu/m~3 and 300 ± 288 cfu/m~3, respectively. The averaged concentrations of airborne fungi, were significantly higher in spring and winter than in other seasons, but were only slightly correlated with indoor air temperature and relative humidity in different seasons. Among those residences inspected in winter, damp spots and moldy spots on the wall surface were associated with higher concentrations of airborne fungi. We found that indoor airborne fungi are acceptable in most of the current residences in Shanghai. The possibility of indoor air quality during cold spring and winter requires more attention than in other seasons.