Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116396

Monica Rodriguez, MPH student and Emmanuel Afam Iyiegbuniwe, PhD. Department of Public Health, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, STH 226, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (270) 745-5088, emmanuel.iyiegbuniwe@wku.edu

A study was conducted to examine the role and prevalence of fungi in building-related illness at three campus buildings. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of reported respiratory symptoms and baseline conditions for comfort parameters, carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter, bacteria and fungi. Fifty-two questionnaires completed by faculty and staff inquired about respiratory symptoms and perceived air quality and this formed the basis for classification of buildings as “complaint” or “non-complaint.” Indoor measurements were made at selected offices and daycare rooms for approximately five hours each day for two weeks and outdoor samples were collected for comparison. The results were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results from the questionnaires showed differences in prevalence rates for employee-reported respiratory symptoms between buildings. The average CO2 levels at the daycare exceeded recommended guidelines and the average temperature levels were occasionally below recommended comfort levels. Preliminary results showed no statistically significant differences between and within the three buildings. A number of indoor results for bacteria in two buildings exceeded outdoor levels. Indoor levels of fungi were below outdoor levels and generally within levels reported for most office and residential buildings. However, certain toxigenic species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Stachybotrys were reported from a number of indoor locations in the complaint buildings. A long-term solution to the moisture problems in the complaint buildings would require complete upgrading of the ventilation systems so as to minimize the prevalence of conditions that favor the growth of toxic fungi.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, the participant should be able to
• 1. Recognize occupant concerns about potential health effects resulting from indoor air pollution and the influence of multiple causative factors in a school environment
• 2. Articulate the importance and relationship between reported occupant complaints and the prevalence of bacteria and fungi in the indoor environment
• 3. Evaluate different buildings based on levels basic comfort parameters and prevalence of bacteria and fungi in both indoor and outdoor air

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Recorded presentation