US EPA

2635457 

Journal Article 

Indoor Allergens and Bacterial Assessment in Children Daycare Environments 

Mendes, Ana; Pereira, C; Aguiar, L; Cano, M; Mendes, D; Neves, P; Proenca, MdoC; Teixeira, JP 

2013 

330-332 

WOS:000339547300120 

Exposure and sensitization to indoor allergens are important risk factors triggering and exacerbating allergy and asthma symptoms in children. The goal of this research was to determine human associated emission rates of bacteria and their possible relation with house dust mite and particle matter concentration in occupied day care centers (DCCs) classrooms. The assessment was carried out in 52 DCCs classrooms located in Porto urban area, both in summer and winter seasons, monitoring for house dust mites, total bacteria and PM10. In our study the mean indoor total bacteria concentration is above the Portuguese reference levels (500 UFC/m3), being 58 and 50 times higher than outdoors, both in winter and summer respectively revealing that human occupancy is a dominant factor that contributes to the concentration of indoor airborne bacterial. The other studied parameters are within the reference levels. Although the monitored concentrations show some similar raising trends in winter season, the correlation coefficients between them were not significant (rPM10/Der f 1 =0.042, P=0.782; rBacteria/Der f 1 =0.112, P=0.458). Our results provide insights of inadequate indoor bacteria levels most likely due to human source contaminants that accumulate in the rooms. Improvement in hygiene and ventilation measures may be advised. 

total bacteria; house dust mite; PM10; children day care centers