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[Assessment of mould pollution in residences in southwest Germany]
S Jovanovic1, I Piechotowski, T Gabrio
1Landesgesundheitsamt Baden-Württemberg Wiederholdstrasse 15 70174 Stuttgart. jovanovic@lga.bwl.de
Abstract:
Elevated levels of moulds in homes may represent a risk for development of allergies and respiratory diseases. Little is known about the levels of these biogenic contaminants in homes in South-West Germany. This paper presents the results of a study which was performed between November 1997 and May 1998 in the four Sentinel Health Departments in Baden-Württemberg (Stuttgart, Mannheim, Kehl and Aulendorf/Bad Waldsee). It included 377 households in which children of 10 years of age resided. Moulds were determined in indoor air, outdoor air, household dust from floors and mattresses. Specific home characteristics were assessed by questionnaire. The median value of the number of colony forming units (CFU) in indoor air was 135 CFU/m3 (range 5-17,000) and in outdoor air 145 CFU/m3 (range 15-2,900). The median value of CFU/g dust, collected from the floors, was 15,000 (range 0-700,000) and collected from mattresses was 28,000 (range 1,500-1,350,000). The data suggest that an indoor-outdoor difference exceeding the value of 500 CFU/m3 indicates an elevated mould concentration in indoor air compared to background. This value can be discussed as a temporary reference value for South-West Germany in the winter season. However, a health assessment can not be derived from this value.
Insights
Elevated mould levels in homes can trigger allergies and respiratory issues. A study in South-West Germany found indoor mould concentrations often exceeded outdoor levels, suggesting a potential health risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health
- Mycology
- Indoor air quality
Context:
- Mould exposure in homes is linked to allergies and respiratory diseases.
- Limited data exists on indoor mould levels in South-West Germany.
- This study addresses the knowledge gap regarding biogenic contaminants in regional households.
Purpose:
- To quantify mould levels in indoor air, outdoor air, and household dust in South-West Germany.
- To assess the relationship between indoor and outdoor mould concentrations.
- To propose a temporary reference value for elevated indoor mould levels.
Summary:
- A study in 377 households in South-West Germany measured mould levels (colony forming units - CFU) in indoor air, outdoor air, floor dust, and mattress dust.
- Median indoor air levels were 135 CFU/m3, outdoor air 145 CFU/m3, floor dust 15,000 CFU/g, and mattress dust 28,000 CFU/g.
- An indoor-outdoor difference exceeding 500 CFU/m3 may indicate elevated indoor mould, a potential reference value for winter in the region.
Impact:
- Provides baseline data on indoor mould contamination in South-West Germany.
- Suggests a potential temporary reference value for indoor air quality monitoring.
- Highlights the need for further research into health impacts of indoor mould exposure.