A
combination of methods is recommended (ACGIH 1999)
typically,
culture-based and spore trap devices
For
culture-based sampling, more than one medium must be
used (varying awand
nutrient base)
Selective media must be employed when the presence
of particular organisms is suspected
(e.g., S. chartarum)
Is the health
impact of bacteria more significant?
“Production of Proinflammatory Mediators by
Indoor Air Bacteria and Fungal Spores in Mouse
and Human Cell Lines”, Environmental Health
Perspectives (2003), 111:85-92
“Currently
it is not known which components of the microbial
flora are most harmful to occupants of moldy
buildings.”
“Our
working hypothesis is that bacteria…are also
important in causing inflammatory and cytotoxic
response.”
Studied mouse and
human macrophage cell lines, and human lung epithelial cell
line
Selected commonly
isolated fungi, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
Analyzed
production of cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, IL-1b;
nitric oxide; measured cytotoxicity
