Whatchu breathin'?: Sick building syndrome and seasonal occurrence of fungi

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the presence of sick building syndrome in a
classroom at Unity High School (Mendon, Illinois) and contrast differences in the
number of fungal spores per cubic meter of air in different rooms in the building and
between seasons. Air and surface samples were taken to analyze the number of fungal
spores per cubic meter and to evaluate generic fungal diversity. Factors influencing the
number of fungal spores per cubic meter and genera of fungal isolates were year-round
temperature control in the classroom and the presence or absence of students. Some of
the fungi isolated are known allergens and/or release mycotoxins, suggesting that sick
building syndrome might be associated with a classroom at Unity High School.

Date of Award	2012
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Andrew S. Methven (Supervisor)