title: Characterization of airborne fungal levels after mold remediation.
abstract: The overall objective of this project was to evaluate levels of airborne fungi present after a mold remediation project and determine the effectiveness of this remediation using airborne mold levels to determine the success of these projects. Andersen N6 (viable) and Air-O-Cell (non-viable) sampling techniques were utilized. Both test methodologies demonstrated that levels of mold in the successfully remediated portions of buildings were significantly different (p<0.05) from the levels found in non-complaint and outdoor samples from the same building, respectively. Conversely, levels in unsuccessful remediation projects were not significantly different (p>0.05) to non-complaint and outdoor samples. Both techniques showed high variability in the overall mold levels found between sites; however, the ratios of specific mold groups in each area tested, within the same site, were remarkably similar. The use of either viable or non-viable mold sampling techniques after mold remediation is essential for determining the success of such projects. This project demonstrates the relationship between mold levels and the success of a mold remediation projects, and will assist in the interpretation of data collected at the conclusion of a mold remediation project.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Microbiology, University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901, USA. kleinhei@uwosh.edu
authors.forename: G T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Kleinheinz
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Langolf
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Englebert
mesh_terms: D000391:Air Microbiology; D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005658:Fungi / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000502:physiology; D013170:Spores
chemical_list: D000393:Air Pollutants; D000946:Antigens, Fungal