On 20-25 % it is determined by quality of
an environment and on 50 % conditions and
a style of life. The majority of city population
spent a lot of time indoors. About 30 %
of the population living in new, and in
restored houses, has experienced an allergic
cold, sensation of weakness, drowsiness,
dry throat, dizziness, indispositions. In
5 % of cases allergic reactions are the
result of conditions of biological environment
of a premise, and in 53 % - with bad ventilating
systems in which microorganisms also can
accumulate, more often - different types
of mould.
THE AIR WE BREATHE
Medico-sociological survey
made by ZAO Soft Protector on influence of mould
contamination on the Health of the person and
Teflex as a solution to the problem
Modern dwellings (houses, apartments, rooms),
besides their basic residential purpose, offer
“a psychological refuge” and are very important
in conditions of increasing standards of life,
especially in the big cities.
The basic hygienic requirements for the dwellings
are: clean air, creation in dwelling of necessary
comfort, combination of temperature, humidity
and airflow, light and soundproof insulation,
general cleanliness and personal hygiene.
The quality of the air is very dependable on
the HVAC system installed in the building.
Pollution of the premises is caused by dangerous
chemical substances and adverse microbiological
factors from the surrounding environment, and
formation of "own" adverse factors.
To such "own" adverse factors concern
fungal and bacterial pollution.
Inhabitants of St.-Petersburg spend in their
apartments around 50 - 70 % of their time, and
within all closed premises, including workplaces,
up to 80 - 90 % of time.
It is known that people within 1 hour inhale
and filter through the respiratory ways nearly
1 ì3 air. Accordingly, it is accepted that many
microorganisms contained in air lead to various
health conditions which are characterized by
the term “Sick building syndrome " and
include inflammatory and allergic diseases of
the respiratory nature, and also cardio diseases.
An especially huge influence on the health of
the person can be provoked by the presence of
airborne mould spores (the size 2 - 3 ìêm) and
capable of entering into the lungs.
The spores are actively multiplied at room temperature
(in conditions of raised humidity and insufficient
ventilation) on many materials inside premises,
including concrete, plaster, wood, plastics,
rubber, fabric, linoleum, painted surfaces,
carpets, books, etc.
The visible growth of mould is only one side
of the contamination but spores in the air are
a more serious problem to deal with.
Various forms of pathological conditions and
diseases can be connected with presence of the
mould spores in the air: migraine, colds, bronchitis,
bronchial asthma, cardiovascular infringements,
etc. The fact is that not many people realize
the harmful effect of the mould on the health
and do not connect them with microbial air pollution.
In premises with uncontrollable microbial contamination
people would have constant inhalation of various
intensity to microorganisms, including Gram
(+) and Gram (-) bacteria. Mould spores possess
high allergenic activity and potential pathogenicity.
It is necessary to note, that depending on concentration,
duration of contact and reactance of people
can cause such pathological conditions as failure
of immune system, various forms of allergies,
asthma, various syndromes of intoxication: mycotoxicosis,
BRS (Building related syndrome), ODTS (Organic
dust toxic syndrome). High humidity and bad
ventilation, as a rule, are the cause of mould
growth.
Many years of study of different buildings in
St.-Petersburg has shown high pollution of the
dwellings, which was caused by damp climate.
A similar situation is observed in many European
countries where there has been much study of
mould and bacterial influence on the health
of people.
The European normative base has the monitoring
system and preventive maintenance of pathogenic
microorganisms, in particular on any premises{rooms},
even on apartments is well developed, the sanitary
passport certifying that their biocleanliness
up to date.
In 2002 2003ãã. In St.-Petersburg have been
organized and carried out researches of private
dwellings and industrial premises for the purpose
of estimation of a degree of negative influence
of fungal and bacterial pollution on health
of the population.
The research work was carried out by experts
of the St. Petersburg Mechnikov medical academy,
Noncommercial partnership -« the Society of
hygienists and health officers of St. Petersburg
», Joint-Stock Company « Soft Protector ».
During work for revealing sources and tanks
of an aerosol{a spray}, an establishment of
ways of distributing mould spores and accompanying
micro flora, and also an estimation of a degree
of risk of stay of the given contingent of people
therein, it is necessary to apply five basic
directions of research:
1. Sociological survey (a method of questioning).
2. Survey of premises.
3. Investigation of surfaces.
4. Air quality control.
5. Examine Immune-resistance of people.
1. Sociological researches (questioning):
- Presence of the factors contributing to mould
contamination formation (basements, humidity,
bad ventilation, presence of conditioners, etc.);
- Presence of the complaints specifying change
of state of health at long stay in (irritation
of mucous eyes, a pharynx, a nose, cough, headaches,
dizziness, an itchy skin, a nausea, lack of
concentration of attention, fatigue);
- Presence of symptoms of an allergy.
2. The survey of premises including visual inspection
for revealing:
- Presence of mould growth on surfaces;
- Mouldy smell;
- Presence of leakage, condensate, damp places;
- Presence and a condition of HVAC systems;
- Presence of carpets, plants and pets;
- Conditions of containers for dust.
3. Research of various surfaces includes:
- Sampling dust;
- Washouts or prints from surfaces;
- Sampling from surfaces;
- The tests of building materials taken by a
drill up to depth of 2 cm from a surface.
The results received as a result of researches
of given scientifically-practical work testifies,
that the level of fungal pollution (concentration
ÊÎÅ/ì3, KOE/gr) on various territories variously
depends on territory.
As given tables 1 the greatest values ÊÎÅ/ì3
or KOE/gr are defined in premises of Leningrad
region testify.
Table 1
Degree of fungal and
bacterial pollution on various territories
Concentration
(ÊÎÅ/ì3 or ÊÎÅ/gr)
Quantity
of tests
St.-Petersburg
The Leningrad
region
Uninhabited
premises
other
settlements
ÎÌ×
ÎÏ×
ÎÌ×
ÎÏ×
ÎÌ×
ÎÏ×
ÎÌ×
ÎÏ×
0
37
1
11
5
0 - 100
34
1
9
1
6
3
6
100 - 500
13
17
1
2
3
5
1
500 - 1000
20
4
3
1
2
1
1000 - 1500
6
2
2
1
1500 - 2000
17
2
2
1
2000 - 2500
5
1
1
3
2500 - 3000
4
1
1
3
1
3000 - 3500
4
1
1
3500 - 4000
1
2
1
1
4000 - 4500
2
1
4500 - 5000
4
1
1
> 5000
15
1
3
3
8
4
Total
91
99
16
16
24
22
13
13
In total during work in territory
of St.-Petersburg the following numbers of surveys
has been carried out: in inhabited and public
buildings (87 tests), in industrial premises
of the enterprises of a factory "Suffle",
Open Society " Man-made fiber ", a
factory "Òinkoff" (16 tests); in territory
of Leningrad region (16 tests) and cities of
Moscow, Tomsk and Tomsk area (24 tests).
Table 2
Territories on which
survey of fungal and bacterial pollution was
carried out
Territories
Numbers of
objects were carried out
St.-Petersburg
87
Leningrad region
16
Other regions
24
Other objects
16
Total
145
For studying parameters of bacterial and fungal
pollution of inhabited, public and industrial
premises tests of air, a dust and plaster have
been selected and results 276, 36, 260 surveys
accordingly on bacterial and fungal pollution
are received.
The analysis of results has shown that 77, 5
% of tests of air, 56, 9 % of plaster, 22 from
36 dust pollution (table 3) are characterized
by presence bacterial.
Table 3
Concentration
(ÊÎÅ/ì3 or ÊÎÅ/gr)
Air
The Dust
Plaster
ïàëî÷êè
êîêêè
ñïîðû
äð.
ïàëî÷êè
êîêêè
ñïîðû
äð.
ïàëî÷êè
êîêêè
ñïîðû
äð.
0-2
12
3
2
17
9
6
2
2-4
3
1
1
4
1
1
2
2
1
4-6
10
1
2
2
2
3
6-8
1
4
1
1
1
3
2
1
1
8-10
11
1
4
1
1
1
1
10
6
2
10-20
7
2
11
2
1
2
1
7
4
2
20-30
2
4
15
1
3
1
2
1
30-40
3
6
7
1
2
5
1
40-50
1
16
9
1
2
1
2
1
5
5
50-60
9
3
1
3
60-70
3
1
1
5
1
70-80
11
1
1
2
10
4
80-90
6
1
8
1
90-100
3
7
3
21
1
>100
1
Not found
19
3
0
40
4
3
0
7
34
34
1
43
Total
50
66
69
29
5
6
9
2
31
31
64
22
Among all researches of air on bacterial pollution
the greatest occurrence (12,3 %) concentration
ÊÎÅ/ì3 or KOE/gr with a range of values 0 -
2, then (9,8 %) - with a range of values 40-50
is noted. There is no bacterial air pollution
in 22,4 % of tests.
Among all researches of a dust on bacterial
pollution the greatest occurrence by concentration
ÊÎÅ/ì3 or KOE/gr with a range of values 40-50
is noted.
Among all researches of plaster the maximal
occurrence (8,4 %) is noted with a range of
values ÊÎÅ/ì3 or KOE/gr 90-100.
Thus, the analysis has shown, that among all
investigated tests of air, a dust and plaster
the greatest number of bacterial pollution is
discovered in plaster and air.
The 142 tests has been made 57,7 % - air of
premises, 4,9 % - a dust, 37,3 % - plasters.
Results of research of tests are presented in
table 4.
Table 4
Prevalence of various
kinds of moulds in investigative tests
Type
of mould
Quantity of tests
air
dust
plaster
Penicillinum
40
6
15
Mukor
12
6
Cladosporium
6
1
7
Aspergillus
5
5
Scopulariopsis
8
11
Alternaria
2
4
Trichosporiella
2
Cefalosporium
3
Paecilomices
1
1
A.niger
2
Not idintification
1
1
âåãåò ìèöåëèé
1
1
Total
82
7
53
As have shown results of researches of tests
of air (table 4), fungal pollution is found
out in all selected tests.
Studying of results of specific structure has
shown that in tests of air the greatest distribution
have moulds Penicillinum type - 40 tests, then
Mukor - 12 tests and Skopulariopsis - 8 tests.
Investigating of a dust in 6 tests of dust was
found Penicillinum type mould and in one test
the Cladosporium type was revealed.
Fungi pollution of plaster is noted for a Penicillinum
- in 15 tests, Skopulariopsis - 11 tests and
Cladosporium - 7 tests.
Thus, next types of fungi was found in premises
to a high degree : Penicillinum (46 tests) in
all types of the selected material, Skopulariopsis
(19 tests) and Mukor (18 tests).
The results received during careful study of
contamination of premises shows that pollution
is characterized by high level of mould: Penicillium
(61 test), Scopulariopsis (19 tests) and Mukor
(17 tests), and bacterial impurity - sporous
(141 test).
Table 5
Fungal and bacterial
pollution of objects of an inhabitancy
Type
of mould
Type
of premises
Inhabited
Uninhabited
Penicillum
31
30
Mukor
8
9
Cladosporium
10
5
Aspergillus
4
5
Scopulariopsis
10
8
Alternaria
4
3
Trichosporiella
1
1
A.niger
3
Cefalosporium
1
2
Paecilomices
2
Monia
1
âåãåò ìèöåëèé
1
1
Not identification
2
All
75
65
Sticks
44
41
êîêêè
46
53
Sporous
64
77
Others
23
31
Total
177
201
Study of pollution of environment of living
areas and commercial properties contaminated
with mould is directly connected with condition
of health.
For an estimation of health of the population
living in conditions of fungal and bacterial
pollution during our work, studying the medical
documentation and questioning the people living
in adverse conditions of bacterial and fungal
effected premises. Results of studying are presented
in table 6 and testify that there is dependence
between duration of residing in not favorable
living conditions and presence of current health
problem.
Table 6
Health of people living
in conditions of
Fungal and bacterial pollution houses
Health
problems revealed by study the medical
documentation
Object
of selection of test
A
sort of pollution
Duration
of residing
Less than 5 years
5-10 years
More than 10 years
Total
Flue diseases
Air
Bacteria
34
7
4
45
Mould
34
7
4
45
Plaster
Bacteria
36
7
7
51
Mould
36
6
8
50
Illnesses
of bodies of breath
Air
Bacteria
30
6
13
49
Mould
30
6
12
48
Plaster
Bacteria
30
6
13
49
Mould
32
5
16
53
Illnesses
of system of blood circulation
Air
Bacteria
1
2
9
12
Mould
1
2
7
10
Plaster
Bacteria
1
2
6
9
Mould
1
2
8
11
Illnesses
of digestion system
Air
Bacteria
4
3
7
14
Mould
4
3
6
13
Plaster
Bacteria
4
3
7
14
Mould
4
3
7
14
Illnesses
of nervous system
Air
Bacteria
2
5
7
Mould
2
4
6
Plaster
Bacteria
2
6
8
Mould
2
6
8
Illnesses
of blood, blood organs
Air
Bacteria
1
1
Mould
1
1
Plaster
Bacteria
1
1
Mould
1
1
Eyes problems
Air
Bacteria
6
6
Mould
4
4
Plaster
Bacteria
6
6
Mould
4
4
Illnesses
of ears, nose
Air
Bacteria
6
3
7
16
Mould
6
3
5
14
Plaster
Bacteria
7
3
10
20
Mould
7
2
7
16
Illnesses
of urinogenital system
Air
Bacteria
1
2
3
Mould
1
2
3
Plaster
Bacteria
1
2
3
Mould
1
2
3
Allergic
illnesses
Air
Bacteria
3
7
13
23
Mould
3
7
11
21
Plaster
Bacteria
3
7
11
21
Mould
3
6
13
22
Illnesses
of muscular system and connecting fabric
Air
Bacteria
1
6
7
Mould
1
3
4
Plaster
Bacteria
1
4
5
Mould
1
8
9
Illnesses
of endocrine systems
Air
Bacteria
2
2
4
Mould
2
2
4
Plaster
Bacteria
2
3
5
Mould
2
5
7
Oncological
diseases
Air
Bacteria
1
1
2
Mould
1
1
2
Plaster
Bacteria
1
1
Mould
2
2
Illnesses
of a skin and hypodermic
Air
Bacteria
1
3
4
Mould
1
2
3
Plaster
Bacteria
1
3
4
Mould
7
7
Gynecologic
diseases
Air
Bacteria
2
2
Mould
2
2
Plaster
Bacteria
2
2
Mould
2
2
Some infectious
and parasitic illnesses
Air
Bacteria
33
33
Mould
33
33
Plaster
Bacteria
33
33
Mould
33
33
As per table, duration of residing of people
in conditions of bacterial or fungal pollution
influences on the level of sickness. So it is
noted, that the persons living less of 5 years
in conditions of bacterial or fungal pollution,
in the medical documentation are registered
a maximum quantity of flu cases (5,18 on 1000)
and allergic diseases (0,44 on 1000), diseases
years, nose problems (0,96 on 1000) and digestion
system (0,59 on 1000), infectious and parasitic
diseases (4,88 on 1000).
Studying of the medical documentation of the
persons living 5-10 years in conditions of bacterial
or fungal pollution of premises shows of flu
cases (0,1 on 1000) and allergic diseases (0,1
on 1000). Residing at similar conditions more
than 10 years corresponds to presence at the
population not only flue (0, 85 on 1000) or
allergic diseases (1, 78 on 1000), but also
other classes of illnesses. At the given category
of the population the greatest disease of lungs
illnesses (2,0 on 1000), urethra problems (0,3
on 1000) and digestive systems (0,85 on 1000),
allergies pathologies (1,78 on 1000) will be
registered. The highest registration of allergic
diseases and illnesses of nose-throat-year (1,
1 on 1000) is a lot of years living in the specified
conditions.
So, it is noted, that frequent flue-related
diseases are registered for those who is living
in conditions of mould contamination (air, a
dust, a surface of walls). However, residing
more than 10 years in premises whereas the highest
degree of fungal pollution is revealed, the
highest registration flu-like (0,5 on 1000)
and allergic diseases (0,9 on 1000), illnesses
of bodies of breath (0,92 on 1000), skin (0,9
on 1000), bones-muscular system (0,44 on 1000)
and endocrine systems (0,3 on 1000).
Within the limits of scientifically-practical
work it has been carried out sociological survey
which purpose revealing a degree of the psychological
discomfort caused by residing in premises with
a high level of fungal pollution.
At the first stage in research, inhabitants
of 37 apartments have taken part in survey basically
located in the Central area of St.-Petersburg.
Among the interrogated persons there were 34
women and 3 men. The majority of respondents
live in the apartment more than 10 years. Children
live in the majority of apartments till 14 years.
At 62 % of respondents children suffer a bronchial
asthma.
By preliminary results of the first stage of
sociological researches the following is established.
A sanitary-engineering condition of an apartment
as "satisfactory" estimate less than
1/3 interrogated. Half of interrogated persons
estimate a sanitary-engineering condition of
an apartment as "unsatisfactory" and
more than one quarter of the interrogated population
as "extremely unsatisfactory". About
a quarter of respondents mark, that have moved
in an apartment with already unsatisfactory
sanitary-engineering condition from which the
greater share lives in such conditions already
more than 10 years. About third interrogated
mark deterioration of a sanitary-engineering
condition of the habitation within 5-10 years.
An insignificant share interrogated (16 %) mark
deterioration of a sanitary-engineering condition
of the habitation within 3-5 years and 10 %
rather íåäàâíî-from 1 till 3 years and less.
About the one fifth respondents do not state
what or deterioration of a sanitary-engineering
condition of the habitation. In the majority
of apartments last repair was spent more 5 years
ago.
At studying a state of health of respondents
and members of their families it is established
that the majority interrogated and members of
their families seriously ill 1-2 times a year.
Third of respondents complain of presence of
chronic disease, from which about third with
frequent aggravations (3-4 times a year and
more often).
It is necessary to note, that the majority interrogated
to some extent is tested with symptoms: weariness,
fast fatigue, and as irritability that can be
in turn caused by a nervous pressure which influence
test more than 60 % interrogated. A significant
numbers of respondents (65-70 %) to some extent
complaint with allergy with (a cold, cough).
Results of interrogation are presented in table
7.
Table 7
The basic complaints
Symptoms
Duration
of residing
Less than 5 years
5-10 years
More than 10 years
Total
Headache
Sometimes
2
2
4
8
Often
1
1
5
7
Dizziness
Sometimes
1
7
8
Often
5
5
Cold
Sometimes
1
1
7
9
Often
3
1
8
12
Cough
Sometimes
1
4
5
Often
4
2
9
15
The complicated
breath
Sometimes
1
3
4
Often
1
3
8
12
Attacks
of an asthma
Sometimes
1
3
4
Often
1
3
5
9
Sore
throat
Sometimes
1
2
7
10
Often
3
5
8
Pains
in the chest
Sometimes
1
3
4
Often
1
1
Palpitation
Sometimes
1
2
4
7
Often
4
4
ðåçü â
ãëàçàõ
Sometimes
2
3
5
Often
1
1
4
6
ñëåçîòå÷åíèå
Sometimes
1
1
4
6
Often
2
2
The general
indisposition
Sometimes
1
4
7
12
Often
1
6
7
A stomach
ache
Sometimes
1
2
3
Often
Allergy
Sometimes
5
1
6
12
Often
2
6
8
Thus,
As a result of the survey all the data
shows that it is necessity to carry out
of a complex of actions, to provide "improvement"
of the living conditions which would lead
to the health improvement of the people.
