Bacteria

Bacteria and fungi are usually the most significant airborne biological pollutants affecting human health. They promote poor indoor air quality and are one of the major causes of work-loss - running into hours and days per person - and the additional costs of doctor visits.

Despite outdoor sources, bacteria in indoor air commonly originate from the mouth, nose, nasopharynx and skin. Therefore, concentrations found inside dwellings are related to occupancy and activities, as well as the performance level of air conditioning systems.

Fungi (commonly known as Mold)

Fungi in indoor air may be microscopic types such as yeast and molds, or macro-fungi that produce sporangial bodies visible to the naked eye. Fungi colonize and further produce numerous aerially dispersed spores, which easily spread the micro organism throughout the living space. They may originate out of doors, but fungi are well able to propagate and produce spores on indoor surfaces and materials.

Some diseases and symptoms associated with exposure to bacteria and fungi are upper respiratory conditions such as asthma; fever; allergic reactions and dermatological problems.

Bioaerosals

"An estimated 8 percent of the adult population and 20 to 25 percent of children in the population suffer from Type I allergic reactions to fungi."
- October, 1998 article in 'Occupational Hazards'

Bioaerosols, which are particulates from living organisms, are among the leading causes of asthma attacks and respiratory allergic reactions in humans. Examples of bioaerosols are dust mite and insect remains, pollens, pet hair and dander, bacteria, molds, and fungi. Bioaerosols are generally smaller than 10 to 20 microns in size, and most are smaller than one micron. Molds and dust mites are also often present in dirt and dust particles. Bioaerosols can also create odors, including the characteristic musty smell associated with molds.

Singapore National Environment Agency recommends that the maximum threshold level for Bacteria & Fungi should not exceed 500Cfu/m3 based on “Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises”.

Watch a Fungus Firing its Spores - Movie

To read more on Indoor air quality and environmental health issues, please click on the following link: More on Indoor air quality Singapore 









 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 






Need Professional Assistance?
Please feel free to contact us @ Tel: 62419443 or email info@iaqsg.com if you are interested in having your indoor air tested or audited to monitor the Indoor Air Quality in your environment.