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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Comparison of mold concentrations quantified by MSQPCR in indoor and outdoor air sampled simultaneously
Teija Meklin1, Tiina Reponen, Craig McKinstry
1National Public Health Institute, Finland.
Abstract:
Mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) was used to measure the concentrations of the 36 mold species in indoor and outdoor air samples that were taken simultaneously for 48 h in and around 17 homes in Cincinnati, Ohio. The total spore concentrations of 353 per m(3) of indoor air and 827 per m(3) of outdoor air samples were significantly different (p
Insights
Short-term indoor and outdoor mold monitoring revealed significant differences in total spore counts. Only specific mold species showed correlation, suggesting caution when interpreting brief mold measurements.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Microbiology
- Indoor Air Quality
Background:
- Indoor mold exposure is a concern for public health.
- Accurate measurement of mold species is crucial for risk assessment.
- Understanding the relationship between indoor and outdoor mold levels is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify 36 mold species in indoor and outdoor air simultaneously.
- To determine the correlation between indoor and outdoor mold concentrations over a 48-hour period.
- To assess the reliability of short-term mold measurements for indoor environments.
Main Methods:
- Mold specific quantitative PCR (MSQPCR) was employed for precise mold enumeration.
- Simultaneous indoor and outdoor air samples were collected from 17 homes over 48 hours.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare concentrations and identify correlations.
Main Results:
- Total indoor spore concentrations (353/m³) were significantly lower than outdoor concentrations (827/m³).
- Only Aspergillus penicillioides, Cladosporium cladosporioides (types 1 & 2), and Cladosporium herbarum showed significant indoor-outdoor correlation.
- A limited number of mold species correlated between indoor and outdoor environments, despite significant differences in total counts.
Conclusions:
- Short-term (48-hour) mold measurements in indoor and outdoor air require cautious interpretation.
- The limited correlation suggests that outdoor mold levels may not always accurately reflect indoor conditions for all species.
- Further research is needed to understand the dynamics of indoor mold exposure and its sources.
