Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Seasonal and Environmental Influences on Culturable Airborne Fungi Levels in Microbiology Laboratories

미생물 실험실에서의 부유 곰팡이 농도의 계절별 변이와 환경영향

  • Hwang, Sung Ho (National Cancer Center, Cancer Risk Appraisal & Prevention Branch) ;
  • Hong, Sun Yeol (National Cancer Center, Cancer Risk Appraisal & Prevention Branch) ;
  • Seok, Ji Won (Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yoon, Chung Sik (Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
  • 황성호 (국립암센터 암예방사업과) ;
  • 홍순열 (국립암센터 암예방사업과) ;
  • 석지원 (서울대학교 보건환경연구소) ;
  • 윤충식 (서울대학교 보건환경연구소)
  • Received : 2015.10.27
  • Accepted : 2016.02.16
  • Published : 2016.02.29
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Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess temporal changes in the level of culturable airborne fungi (CAF) in three microbiology laboratories and determine the environmental factors associated with CAF level. Methods: CAF levels were determined once per month from March 2011 to February 2012 in three microbiology laboratories. An Andersen one-stage sampler was used for five minutes, three times per day to collect the CAF. Arithmetic means of CAF concentrations and standard deviation (SD) were calculated. A Mann-Whitney test was applied to compare the differences between environmental factors such as divided room by structure of laboratory, use of humidifier, and use of air-conditioner. Correlation analysis was also applied to identify the association between CAF concentrations and environmental factors. Results: CAF levels demonstrated an increasing tendency in summer, and the three laboratories showed consistent seasonal patterns. Temperature and relative humidity (RH) were associated with CAF levels. When the humidifier was off, CAF concentrations were significantly higher in study rooms than in study rooms in which the humidifier was on. Conclusion: CAF levels in indoor microbiology laboratories varied greatly depending upon the temperature and RH and whether a humidifier was used.

Keywords

References

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