Graduate Program
Biological Sciences
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Andrew Methven
Thesis Committee Member
Barbara Carlsward
Thesis Committee Member
Jeffrey Laursen
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the presence of sick building syndrome in a classroom at Unity High School (Mendon, Illinois) and contrast differences in the number of fungal spores per cubic meter of air in different rooms in the building and between seasons. Air and surface samples were taken to analyze the number of fungal spores per cubic meter and to evaluate generic fungal diversity. Factors influencing the number of fungal spores per cubic meter and genera of fungal isolates were year-round temperature control in the classroom and the presence or absence of students. Some of the fungi isolated are known allergens and/or release mycotoxins, suggesting that sick building syndrome might be associated with a classroom at Unity High School.
Recommended Citation
Stapleton, Jessica, "Whatchu breathin'?: Sick building syndrome and seasonal occurrence of fungi" (2012). Masters Theses. 926.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/926
