Aerobiology of schools and public institutions--part of a study

The influence of the indoor climate in relation to the health of persons has mainly been connected with the physico-chemical properties of the environment. Complaints from patients concerning eye, nose and throat problems, hoarseness, headache and fatigue are common, especially in schools and other public institutions with heavy traffic and badly cleaned or water damaged wall-to-wall carpets. The significance of specific allergenic components in dust such as mites, mould, animal dander and pollen is well-known. However, the influence of a dirt-factor or a moisture-factor in the carpets or from ventilation systems leading to accumulation, liberation and inhalation of dust and micro-organisms, on allergic and non-allergic persons has, until recently, been neglected. To obtain knowledge on this influence, a systematical registration of the biological factors based on consecutive investigation has started. Results from registration of airborne micro-organisms show a tendency towards a larger amount of micro-organisms measured 1 m above carpets than above bare floors.