Incidence and remediation of fungi in a sick building in Malaysia: a case study |
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Authors: | Wardah Abdul Rahman Hafizi Rosli Siti Nurdijati Baharuddin Baharuddin Salleh |
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Institution: | (1) School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia |
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Abstract: | Problems caused by indoor microbial, especially fungal growth, have been further exaggerated by the increased incidence of
water intrusions, condensation from air-conditioning system, and other factors. While fungal contamination in a building can
be one of the indicators of indoor air quality (IAQ), air quality assessment and remediation should be considered as important
and should be carried out systematically. This study reports the incidence and remediation of an excessive fungal growth in
a building in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. Acting on an official report by the building owner
and occupants, an immediate walk-through investigation was carried out between June and December 2009. A thorough sampling
comprising swab and spore impactor techniques showed that the colony-forming unit per cubic meter of air (CFU/m3) levels were far above those in the guidelines of most developed countries. Thus, the building was declared a ‘sick building’
and closed to the publics. However, through immediate action with recommended methods to overcome the problem, the premise
has been pronounced safe. This is a good example of successful teamwork that involved a continuous investigation by a team
of experts along with comprehensive action taken by the occupants and other authorities responsible for the building. |
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