Environmental factors influencing indoor airborne fungi in students dormitory – a case study in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Indoor airborne fungi are a significant health concern that can cause respiratory symptoms and other health problems. Indoor fungi are influenced by various factors such as meteorological conditions and dwelling characteristics. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the association between indoor airborne fungi and environmental factors in a student dormitory in southern Thailand. Material and methods: The study was conducted at Walailak University in southern Thailand from September to December 2020. Air samples were collected from rooms in thirteen dormitories, and the fungal load was determined using the passive air sampling method. The study also measured meteorological parameters and gathered data on occupant behaviors and exposure-related symptoms through a self-administered questionnaire. Results: In a total of 135 student rooms, the average concentration (mean ± SD) of indoor airborne fungi was 409.72±176.22 CFU/m3, which showed the highest concentration on the first floor. For meteorological parameters, the averages of RH (%), temperature (°C), and CO2 (ppm) were 70.99±2.37, 31.11±0.56 and 413.29±76.72, respectively. The abundance of indoor airborne fungi was positively associated with an increase in RH (β=0.267, 95% CI: 5.288, 34.401) and building height (β=0.269, 95% CI: 16.283, 105.873), with values of 19.845 and 61.078, respectively. Conversely, temperature exhibited a negative effect on indoor airborne fungi (-92.224, β=-0.292, 95% CI: 150.052, -34.396). Conclusion: The findings highlight the influence of RH, temperature and building height on indoor airborne fungi in the student dormitory. Therefore, effective management strategies are necessary to improve indoor air quality and reduce associated health risks in student dormitories.

Keywords

• airborne fungi
• meteorological factors
• indoor air quality
• dormitory room
• dwelling characteristics