Dispersal of Fungal Spores from Three Types of Air Handling System Duct Material

摘要: Exposure to airborne microorganisms in indoor environments may result infectious disease or elicit an allergic irritant response. Air handling system components contaminated by fungi have been implicated the dispersal of spores into environment, thereby serving as a route exposure occupants. This study was conducted provide quantitative data on from fungal colonies growing three types duct material. Galvanized metal, rigid fibrous glass ductboard, and fiberglass liner were soiled with known concentration Penicillium chrysogenum spores. The materials incubated humidity chambers matrix growing, sporulating at contamination level 109 colony forming units (CFU) per section, consistent for all materials. For each experiment section inserted air experimental room, operated 5-minute cycles flow 4.2 m3 min−1. velocity approximately 2.8 m sec−1. culturable P. (CFU m−3), total (spores chrysogenum-sized particles (particles m−3) measured room using Andersen single-stage impactor samplers, Burkard slide aerodynamic particle sizer, respectively. highest concentrations (104 CFU m−3; 105 104 during first operating cycle decreasing second third cycles. There no significant difference spore These demonstrate potential building occupants high dispersed normal operation system.