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Emission Exposure Model for the Transport of Toxic MoldAir Pollution Prevention and Control Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
Center for Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA Biocontaminants such as mold spores are capable of being released into the indoor air from the site of growth and being transported in a viable or non-viable form. Exposure to toxic mold and the mycotoxins contained in the spore and vegetative body have been shown to produce adverse health effects following inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact. This paper presents the results of a study of the release of Stachybotrys chartarum spores from contaminated gypsum wallboard and of tests on the effects of environmental conditions on the release of viable and non-viable spores and fragments. The findings of S. chartarum spore emissions with low air velocity flow conditions were found to be directly proportional to airflow and indirectly proportional to relative humidity. These emission findings corroborate previous observations involving Penicillium and Aspergillus. The viability of S. chartarum spore emissions is also discussed with respect to culturable and commonly used field measurement techniques.
Key Words: Biocontaminant Bioaerosol Chamber study Duct Emissions Microbial contamination
Indoor and Built Environment, Vol. 13, No. 1,
75-82 (2004) |
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