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Related Experiment Videos

Fungal spore transport through a building structure.

M Airaksinen1, J Kurnitski, P Pasanen

  • 1Laboratory of Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning, Helsinki University of Technology, PO Box 4400, 02015 HUT, Helsinki, Finland. miimu.airaksen@optiplan.fi

Indoor Air
|March 11, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Laboratory tests show that sealing alone cannot prevent fungal spore penetration through timber structures. Building pressurization is key, but consider condensation risks in cold climates.

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Area of Science:

  • Building science
  • Environmental health engineering
  • Aerosol science

Background:

  • Building envelopes are critical for indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
  • Understanding particle and spore penetration is vital for public health and building performance.
  • Timber structures are common, but their airtightness and contaminant transport properties require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the penetration of inert particles and fungal spores through a full-scale timber frame structure.
  • To assess the influence of pressure differences and air leakage on contaminant transport.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of sealing and building pressure management in preventing penetration.

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory measurements using a full-scale timber frame structure.

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  • Testing with inert particles (0.6-4.0 µm) and fungal spores (Penicillium, Cladosporium).
  • Varying pressure differences across the structure and measuring air leakage.

    • Main Results:

    • Penetration factors for inert particles ranged from 0.05-0.2 at moderate pressures.
    • Fungal spores were found to penetrate the timber structure.
    • Penetration was highly dependent on pressure difference, not surface holes; mineral wool contact was significant.
    • Larger particles (4.0 µm) showed minimal penetration except via direct flow paths.

    Conclusions:

    • Sealing alone is insufficient to prevent fungal spore penetration through building envelopes.
    • Building pressurization or balancing is the most effective method to prevent contaminant ingress.
    • Mechanical exhaust ventilation requires careful consideration due to potential depressurization and health risks from building envelope contamination.