Abstract
Mold includes airborne particles of biological origin. Exposure to mold in damp
buildings has been associated with the risk of experiencing health problem. Children
may be exposed to mold spores through the respiratory tract, when they inhale or
through skin contact. This study is a comparative cross-sectional study which was
carried out in Malay preschools. A total of 270 respondents and 12 preschools from
both locations (Puchong and Hulu Langat) were involved in this study. This study
aimed at identifying different types of fungi present in selected preschools in Selangor.
Indoor isolation of fungi was done using an instrument known as PBI Duos SAS Super
360™bioaerosol sampler and Sabouraud dextrous agar (SDA) was used for the
cultivation and identification of mold in selected preschools. Mold colonies were
represented as colony forming units (CFU m3). Further identification of fungi was done
based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Total of 12 preschools and
36 houses were selected to participate in this study. Mold isolated from preschools in
study and comparative area include; Candida albican, Aspergillus niger, Microsporium
canis and Penicillium notatum. Analysis has shown a significant difference between
mold level which were isolated in industrial and suburban preschools (p<0.05) for
preschools and homes sampled. In conclusion, this study found that indoor exposure to
mold were higher among preschools in the urban area than those in suburban area.
Water damaged materials provide a good environment for the growth and multiplication
of mold.
Cynthia Oluchi, Juliana Jalaludin. (2018) Isolation and identification of mold from naturally ventilated preschools in urban and suburban area in Selangor, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 6, Special Issue.
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