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Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Developement of health risk rating scale for indoor airborne fungal exposure
Anirban Chaudhuri1, Chiradeep Basu1, Subarna Bhattacharyya1
1School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, India.
Abstract:
This paper aims to quantify airborne fungal load in air-conditioned rooms and develop a health risk rating scale for different indoor environments. Five sampling locations in Kolkata frequented by a heterogeneous human population, containing various types of fungal growth-promoting substances (FGPS) like old documents, food items, waste hair, etc. were chosen as sampling locations where an Andersen Two-Stage Cascade Impactor was ran using Rose Bengal agar and Potato Dextrose agar media plates. Total spore load (CFU/m3), species diversity, species dominance, human exposure time, susceptible age and FGPS were considered the risk factors for this study. A risk rating scale was developed after evaluating the relative importance of these different factors in relation to human health. The most dominant genera were Aspergillus, followed by Penicillium. Maximum CFU was observed at library, followed by computer room.
Insights
Airborne fungal load in air-conditioned rooms was quantified, revealing Aspergillus and Penicillium as dominant species. A health risk rating scale was developed to assess indoor environments based on fungal presence and exposure factors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Indoor air quality assessment
- Fungal bioaerosols
Background:
- Indoor environments can harbor significant airborne fungal loads.
- Fungal growth-promoting substances (FGPS) contribute to indoor fungal proliferation.
- Assessing health risks associated with indoor fungi is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne fungal load in various air-conditioned indoor spaces.
- To identify dominant fungal genera in the studied environments.
- To develop a health risk rating scale for indoor fungal exposure.
Main Methods:
- Air samples were collected using an Andersen Two-Stage Cascade Impactor.
- Rose Bengal agar and Potato Dextrose agar media were used for fungal cultivation.
- Risk factors including total spore load (CFU/m³), species diversity, human exposure, and FGPS were analyzed.
Main Results:
- The most dominant fungal genera identified were Aspergillus and Penicillium.
- Higher colony-forming units (CFU) were observed in a library and a computer room.
- A health risk rating scale was successfully developed based on evaluated risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Air-conditioned indoor environments, particularly libraries and computer rooms, can harbor substantial airborne fungal populations.
- The developed risk rating scale provides a tool for assessing health risks associated with indoor fungal exposure.
- Further research can refine the scale and inform public health interventions for improved indoor air quality.
