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http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2012.38.4.300

Trend in Study of Biological Pollutants in Indoor Air Quality in Korea  

Huh, Eun-Hae (Department of Public Science, College of Health Science, Korea University)
Won, Dong-Hwan (Department of Public Science, College of Health Science, Korea University)
Moon, Kyong-Whan (Department of Public Science, College of Health Science, Korea University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.38, no.4, 2012 , pp. 300-310 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: Indoor air quality problems in public spaces have recently become a very important issue in South Korea, because many spend a long time every day indoors. In this study, an extensive literature review was performed on the subject of suspended bacteria and fungi in public facilities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extent and types of suspended bacteria and fungi in indoor air in South Korea. This study will provide direction to the research in the field of indoor air. Methods: Article reviews was conducted using a search engine and the following keywords; 'bacteria', 'total suspended bacteria', 'fungi' and 'indoor air' from published articles since 2000. Results: Most of the places of measurement were schools, kindergartens, childcare centers and general hospitals. The highest concentrations of total suspended bacteria and fungi were found in schools and kindergartens. Some public facilities exceeded the standard of 800 CFU/$m^3$. There were few studies on other suspended bacteria: Gram Negative Bacteria, Staphylococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusions: It appears that more studies with intensive controls are needed. It was found that schools and kindergartens were most susceptible to microbial indoor air pollution. These results may be able to suggest an indoor standard for suspended bacteria and fungi in South Korea.
Keywords
airborne bacteria; airborne fungi; indoor air; Korea; review paper;
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