Messverfahren für biologische Innenraumbelastungen

Abstract

Elevated availability of moisture on indoor surfaces often results in microbial growth on construction materials and furniture. Because of this it is possible that dangers may arise from unusual air exposure with mould spores. Depending on individual disposition, this can result in health hazards. This article describes advantages and disadvantages of applicable mould detection methods and which conclusions can be drawn therefrom. The methods described in this article include techniques for quantifying and qulifying mould in indoor air, materials and on surfaces. Cultivating and noncultivating methods are described. Regarding methods for indoor air sampling, the Andersen principle impaction, Reuters centrifugal sampler and the filtration method are dealt with. Furthermore, particle deposition on sticky surfaces using slit samplers and measuring of microbial volatile organic compound are covered as well. Furthermore, mould detection methods in material and on surfaces are described. These use contact plates, the immersion method, smear tests, dust sampling and mould spore collection with sticky tapes. The choice of measurement methods is of importance in order to draw the right conclusions from the results and to decrease overall cost. Experience has shown that applying a single method only usually does not yield reliable results. The choice of measurement procedures, therefore, is of high importance and depends on the question to be answered as well as on local circumstances.