Indoor and Outdoor Concentrations of Bioaerosols and Meteorological Conditions of Selected Salons in Four Areas of Ibadan North Local Government Area

Abstract

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in the atmosphere but their concentrations are significantly affected by specific environmental factors. Thus, the characterization of bioaerosol levels in both the indoor and outdoor environment have become an important issue due to their adverse health effects. Therefore this study assessed the indoor and outdoor concentrations of bioaerosols and the meteorological conditions in selected salons in four areas of Ibadan North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria. This comparative cross-sectional study comprised of onsite observations, meteorological measurements viz: temperature and relative humidity (RH) and microbiological assessment (fungi and bacteria load). Building characteristics and sanitary conditions of salons were assessed using a walk-through observational checklist. A TE-10-890 single stage sampler was used for viable bioaerosol sampling and isolates were identified according to standard methods. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS (version 20). Mold growth and damp roof were observed in less than 20% and 40% of salons at the study locations respectively. Mean indoor and outdoor temperature and RH across Agbowo, Mokola, Yemetu and Bashorun were significantly higher than ASHRAE guideline limits. The mean concentrations of bacteria and fungi aerosols were significantly higher indoor than outdoor (p<0.05). Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Enterobacteria spp and Flavobacterium spp. were the predominant bacteria species isolated while Aspergillus spp, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp, and Mucor spp. were the most common fungi species detected in the samples. The study showed that both the indoor and outdoor air were contaminated with bacteria and fungi, therefore it is important to control the environmental factors that support microbial growth in order to curtail occurrence of possible adverse effects they may have on health.