Chemical and microbial exposures in a school building: adverse health effects in children.

In this cross-sectional study, the authors examined the relationship between an unusual combination of indoor air contaminants in a school and adverse health effects among the attending children. A leaking roof and damp floors, together with gaseous leaks from the sewage system, led to a combined exposure of hydrocarbons, 2-ethylhexanol from plastic floor coverings, and moisture-associated microbes. The health status of 274 children in the school was assessed via repeated symptom questionnaires.

Variety in dustiness and hygiene quality of peat bedding.

Respiratory exposure to organic dust induces chronic pulmonary diseases both in farmers and horses. The aim of this study was to examine the variation of dustiness and hygiene quality of peat moss bedding. Materials studied were weakly decomposed sphagnum peat (A), weakly decomposed sphagnum peat warmed up in storage (> 30 degrees C) (B) and two more decomposed few-flowered sedge peats (C and D).

Potentially pathogenic, slow-growing mycobacteria released into workplace air during the remediation of buildings.

Construction workers' exposure to airborne viable mycobacteria was studied during the remediation of three moldy and two nonmoldy buildings. Furthermore, the concentrations of airborne fungal and actinobacterial spores were determined. The samples for the microbial analyses were collected using a six-stage impactor and an all-glass impinger sampler, and by filter sampling.

Farmers' exposure to airborne microorganisms in composting swine confinement buildings.

Farmers' exposure to airborne microorganisms was studied in 12 composting swine confinement buildings and in 7 buildings with traditional slatted-floor pit systems. Airborne cultivable mesophilic, xerophilic, and thermotolerant fungi, mesophilic bacteria, and thermophilic actinobacteria were determined with a six-stage impactor. Furthermore, the total concentrations of microorganisms were determined with filter sampling and direct count using a microscope.

Firefighting efforts may lead to massive fungal growth and exposure within one week. A case report.

A case study on extensive fungal growth that occurred in an apartment building after firefighting efforts is described in this paper. Exposure to airborne microorganisms (both viable and total) was investigated by filter sampling in three periods before and during remedial actions after the fire. Material samples were also analyzed.