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Exposure to airborne microbes during the repair of moldy buildings
S Rautiala1, T Reponen, A Hyvärinen
1Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kuopio, Finland.
Abstract:
Concentrations of airborne microbes, studied during the repair of seven moldy buildings, showed that concentrations of airborne fungi increased during the repair work. This was especially true during the demolition of moldy building materials, even though the total dust levels remained low. Concentrations of viable fungi sampled with a six-stage cascade impactor were 10(3) - > 1.9 x 10(5) cfu/m3, and the total concentrations of fungal propagules, as determined by the Camnea method (i.e., air filtration method with epifluorescence microscopic counting of acridine-stained organisms) showed 10(5)-10(6) counts/m3 during the demolition. Penicillium was the main genus throughout. Concentrations of viable total bacteria also increased, but this change proved less noticeable than that of the fungi. However, rather high concentrations of viable actinomycetes up to 10(4) cfu/m3 were detected during the demolition. Results show that construction workers are exposed to high concentrations of microbes, perhaps causing health problems. Thus, personal protection of both the respiratory system and eyes is strongly recommended for workers as they repair moldy buildings. In addition, the repair room should be isolated from other areas to protect occupants or any other people present.
Insights
Repairing moldy buildings significantly increases airborne fungi and microbes, posing health risks to construction workers. Personal protective equipment and isolation of work areas are crucial for safety.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health and safety
Background:
- Mold contamination in buildings is a growing concern.
- Building repair work can disturb microbial communities.
- Understanding airborne microbial exposure during repairs is vital for worker safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify airborne microbial concentrations during moldy building repairs.
- To identify specific microbial groups of concern.
- To assess potential risks to construction workers.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling using a six-stage cascade impactor.
- Fungal propagule concentration determination via the Camnea method (air filtration with epifluorescence microscopy).
- Quantification of viable bacteria and actinomycetes.
Main Results:
- Airborne fungal concentrations increased significantly during repair, especially demolition (10^3 - > 1.9 x 10^5 cfu/m3).
- Fungal propagule counts reached 10^5-10^6 counts/m3 during demolition.
- Elevated levels of viable bacteria and actinomycetes (up to 10^4 cfu/m3) were observed.
- Penicillium was the predominant fungal genus.
Conclusions:
- Construction workers face high microbial exposure during moldy building remediation.
- Potential health risks necessitate protective measures.
- Recommendations include respiratory and eye protection, and isolation of work areas.