Authors : S. K. GIRI
Page Nos : 81-96
Description :
The high prevalence of allergies in developed countries contributes to the increased public
concern about indoor air quality. This has resulted in an increase in demand for environmental
assessments, which at the present time are mainly focused on assessment of various indoor
environments for evidence of air quality and fungal growth (mold). The fungal spores are
identified using non-culturable or culturable analysis as a surrogate measure of exposure to
fungal allergens. The present study was undertaken to sample the indoor air from different
dwelling homes located in east and south regions of Nagpur city. Air sampling was done with
Hi-Air sampler (Hi-Media - LA002) using Rose Bengal Agar strips (RBS-290, RBS-640).
Simultaneously cello tape and cotton swabs were also used for direct microscopic examination
of visible mould growth which is observed on the walls and other household materials like
home furniture’s, study tables, computer tables, wooden window frames, photo frames, AC
filters) during rainy season i.e. June, 2012 to September, 2012. The concentrations of airborne
fungal spores were found to be highest in indoor air than those of outdoor air (control). The
fungal levels were found to be highest in the rainy season due to higher relative humidity and
low temperature in dwelling homes. The most common airborne fungi, both indoors and
outdoors (control air) were isolated are Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Curvularia,
Alternaria, Trichoderma, Mucor, Rhizopus, Trichothecium, and nonsporulating fungi. This study
mainly focused on Aspergillus and Penicillium species in the indoor and in control air of
dwelling homes. Total 14 species of Aspergillus recorded in indoor air while in control it is
recorded only six (06). Nine (09) species of Penicillium were recorded in indoor air and five (05)
species recorded in control (outdoor air). Some of the surface fungi are also isolated from
variety of household materials these are Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp.,
Curvularia spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp., Phoma spp., Rhizopus spp., Torula spp., and
Trichoderma spp.
