[Evaluation of airborne molds in Laodikeia's recreation work environment during an excavation period]

Microclimatic environments including hot and damp variations are convenient backgrounds to fungi-related diseases for archeology workers. In this study, indoor air viable mold flora of Laodikeia's antique recreation warehouse and their effect on archeology workers were investigated during an annual excavation period. Work environment and workers' symptoms have been detailed by a questionnaire. Air sampling of viable molds were periodically collected within the excavation period in 2005. The mean indoor viable mold concentrations were 528, 578 and 1023 cfu/m3 while outdoor mold concentrations were 352, 409 and 553 cfu/m3 during July, August and September, respectively. The prevalent culturable indoor fungal type was Cladosporium spp. (57.7%), Aspergillus spp. (17.8%), Alternaria spp. (15.8%) and Penicillium spp. (3.4%). In outdoor environment, Cladosporium spp. (60.4%) was the predominant type followed by Alternaria spp. (16.8%), Aspergillus spp. (11.8%) and Penicillium spp. (3%). Aspergillus spp. were found in higher concentrations for indoor air than outdoor samples in late-summer period owing to higher humidity and lower temperature levels (p < 0.05). The rate of Aspergillus niger isolation was higher than the other Aspergillus species (p < 0.05). Among the 41 workers hay fever, bronchial asthma and eczama were detected in 8 (19.2%) of them and three workers stated increase in their complaints during their work in the recreation warehouse. According to the questionnaire results, moisture and irritable particle problems were more prevalant among archeology workers in recreation warehouse. As in Laodikeia experience, re-building of warehouses or restriction of recreation period between early and mid summer may be recommended in order to avoid to be confronted with xerophilic fungi. Climate monitorization and questionnaire results may help to decide on the screening procedures to enlighten the ventilation problems related to toxigenic molds and also to demonstrate the presence of xerophilic fungi in the moist environment.