Microbial growth inside insulated external walls as an indoor air biocontamination source

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002 Feb;68(2):963-7. doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.2.963-967.2002.

Abstract

The association between moisture-related microbial growth (mesophilic fungi and bacteria) within insulated exterior walls and microbial concentrations in the indoor air was studied. The studied apartment buildings with precast concrete external walls were situated in a subarctic zone. Actinomycetes in the insulation layer were found to have increased concentrations in the indoor air. The moisture content of the indoor air significantly affected all measurable airborne concentrations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Actinomycetales / isolation & purification
  • Air Microbiology*
  • Air Pollution, Indoor / adverse effects*
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Cold Climate
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Construction Materials / microbiology*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Fungi / isolation & purification
  • Housing