VOLUMETRIC STUDY OF WINTER FUNGUS PREVALENCE IN AIR OF MIDWESTERN HOMES

[摘要] Volumetric recoveries of airborne, mesophilic microfungi were made during winter months at 3 specific points in 150 single-family dwellings in SE Michigan, USA. Mean levels of total isolates/m3 comprised a range of from < 10 to > 20,000, although concurrent outdoor levels never exceeded 230/m3. Form species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Rhodotorula and nonpigmented yeasts were the types encountered most widely indoors. Certain homes showed high recoveries of other types, including Cephalosporium, Sporobolomyces, Verticillium and Sporothrix form species. A positive association between indoor fungus prevalence and bedroom relative humidity was strongly suggested, and high levels were observed in well-humidified homes despite the presence of electrostatic air cleaners. Characteristic patterns of (winter) air spora in specific homes are indicated. Humidifying devices may serve as dispersion sources in addition to their permissive role in facilitating fungus growth.