Indoor Fungal Populations Inhabiting Cement Structures - Remedial Measures

Abstract

Fungal populations are ubiquitous in nature and vary in composition depending on the substrata. Impact of fungal populations on human health conditions depends on type of species-invasive conditions with respect to tissue and association leading to detrimental conditions. A variety of indoor fungi can be noticed in air, on cement walls in case of seepage, submergence during flooding or water logging. Fungal species viz. Penicillium, Mucor, Aspergillus ,Cladosporium spps may inhabit such wet and effected surfaces, which can affect the cosmetic appearance and also result in allergic reactions. The current study of indoor walls of the residential/ commercial constructions exposed to seepage indicated the presence of Aspergillus niger, Ascotricha charatarum, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus spp 2, Penicillium spp., Cladosporium spp., Phoma spp., Stachybotrys spp. Ascospora spp., Curvularia spp, Alternaria spp. Some of the fungal inhabitants proved to possess allergen capabilities. Combinations of commonly available household materials were used to control fungal growth on cement walls. The investigations revealed that remedial measure 1 found to be effective in controlling growth in the effected regions, spreading further and also from re-infestation for longer period than the other.