Determination of aerial microbiological contamination in scholastic sports environments.
J Appl Microbiol
; 95(5): 904-12, 2003.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-14633018
AIMS: To assess the microbiological indoor air quality (IAQ) of high school and college gyms during physical training lessons and to evaluate the effective microbiological exposure of students. METHODS AND RESULTS: Air samples from 11 high school and college gyms of Pavia, Italy were collected. Total bacterial counts, total fungal counts and characterization of fungal taxa were determined. Air quality was evaluated using three microbiological contamination indices: the global index of microbiological contamination per m3 (GIMC per m3), the index of mesophilic bacterial contamination (IMC) and the amplification index (AI). CONCLUSIONS: This work testifies that air contamination in indoor gyms is always superior to that of the outdoor environment. Nevertheless, students are exposed to relatively low concentrations of airborne micro-organisms. The highest values of fungal counts and GIMC per m3 (>14,661) were observed between April and October when the central heating systems were switched off. The lowest fungal counts were detected in modern buildings equipped with forced ventilation systems. From qualitative aeromycological studies, 45 fungal taxa were identified, and different potentially allergenic species were isolated. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The standardization of air sampling methods and the correct evaluation of aeromicrobiological results allow the classification of indoor air healthiness. The proposed microbiological contamination indices together with the characterization of airborne fungal taxa are useful tools for detailed description of IAQ.
Buscar en Google
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Instituciones Académicas
/
Deportes
/
Contaminación del Aire Interior
/
Microbiología del Aire
Tipo de estudio:
Clinical_trials
/
Qualitative_research
Límite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Appl Microbiol
Asunto de la revista:
MICROBIOLOGIA
Año:
2003
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido