Abstract |
In this study, we investigated indoor air quality and symptoms of respiratory illness in 264 nursing workers at 28 day-care centers in Taipei. Geometric mean concentrations of indoor and outdoor bacteria were 735 colony-forming units in air (CFU/m3) and 384 CFU/m3, respectively. In addition, geometric mean concentrations of indoor and outdoor fungi were 1,212 CFU/m3 and 1,032 CFU/m3, respectively. Aspergillus, Cladosporium, and Penicillium-microfungi that occurred most commonly-were found indoors and outdoors. Geometric mean concentrations of house dust mite allergens, Der p I and Der p V, were 58 ng/g dust and 14 ng/g dust, respectively. In addition, the observed high prevalence of dampness or mold problems in the day-care centers indicated that dampness was very common in this subtropical region. We found a significant relationship between dampness and work-related sick building syndrome in the day-care-center workers. Furthermore, concentrations of fungi were lower in the day-care centers equipped with air conditioners/air cleaners than in centers that lacked such equipment. Also, Aspergillus was associated strongly with work-related sick building syndrome in the day-care-center workers.
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Authors | C S Li, C W Hsu, M L Tai |
Journal | Archives of environmental health
(Arch Environ Health)
1997 May-Jun
Vol. 52
Issue 3
Pg. 200-7
ISSN: 0003-9896 [Print] United States |
PMID | 9169630
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Air Microbiology
- Air Pollution, Indoor
- Bacteria
(isolation & purification)
- Child
- Child Day Care Centers
- Data Interpretation, Statistical
- Dust
- Fungi
(isolation & purification)
- Humans
- Sick Building Syndrome
(diagnosis)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Taiwan
- Time Factors
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