Bio-aerosol Monitoring (Mould, Bacteria & Fungi)

Exposure to airborne biologically active materials such as bacteria and mould has been implicated in a number of health scares in public buildings, schools amd workplaces.

There has been a ‘fear factor’and any cases of sickness experienced within the building are often attributed to bacteria and mould present.

The difficulty with assessing airborne micro-organisms is that they occur in open air environments and there is limited evidence which links airborne micro-organisms to a particular disease state.

Pre-existing conditions are often made worse by high levels of mould or bacteria but in the average healthy populations, the health risk is less clear.

There are no Australian Standards on airborne mould and bacteria, however, international guidelines use 1000 (Colony Forming Units) CFU/m3 as a guide where the levels may be of concern.

The solution to concerns about airborne micro-organisms is to undertake an inspection of the area to determine dampness levels or sources of moisture, and then compare indoor bio-aerosol levels to external levels.

HAZCON has been involved in several studies of bioaerosals in offices, schools and hospitals across the state following the floods and has been invested in the lastest bio-aerosal monitoring equipment.

The advantage of bio-aerosol monitoring is that it quantifies the likely risk and determines if any remedial work is required.