| Title: | Microorganisms and volatile organic compounds in airborne dust from damp residences |
| Author(s): | Nilsson A; Kihlstrom E; Lagesson V; Wessen B; Szponar B; Larsson L; Tagesson C; |
| Address: | "Department of Health and Environment, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Linkoping University, S-581 85 Linkoping, Sweden. andni@imk.liu.se" |
| DOI: | 10.1046/j.1600-0668.2003.00178.x |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0905-6947 (Print) 0905-6947 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Airborne dust samples from damp (n = 9) and control (n = 9) residences were analyzed for microorganisms (molds and bacteria), bacterial markers (3-hydroxy fatty acids and muramic acid), and adsorbed volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The number of mold species was greater in the damp residences than in the controls (23 vs.18) and nine mold species were found only in damp residences. The levels of 3-hydroxy fatty acids and muramic acid correlated better in damp residences than in controls, indicating that damp conditions affect the bacterial flora of airborne dust. Identifications made by culture and microscopy of the major molds found, i.e. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillum, coincided with the identification of VOCs known to be produced by these species. A number of additional VOCs irritating to the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract were also found. The results from this pilot study illustrate the diversity of microorganisms and VOCs present in the indoor environment and suggest that analysis of airborne dust may help to assess human exposure to microorganisms and chemical compounds" |
| Keywords: | "Air Pollution, Indoor/*analysis *Bacteria Dust Environmental Monitoring Fatty Acids/analysis *Fungi Housing Humans Muramic Acids/analysis Volatilization Water;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineNilsson, A Kihlstrom, E Lagesson, V Wessen, B Szponar, B Larsson, L Tagesson, C eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2004/03/11 Indoor Air. 2004 Apr; 14(2):74-82. doi: 10.1046/j.1600-0668.2003.00178.x" |
