Fungal infestation in office buildings of UiTM Puncak Alam

Fungi is a significant indoor air quality parameter. Hence, the purpose of this study is to assess airborne fungi in the classrooms, academic offices, and laboratories of FSK buildings in UiTM Puncak Alam and its relation with sick building syndrome (SBS). A walkthrough survey was conducted at the three study areas and environmental sampling of temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and airborne fungal concentration was conducted. Airborne fungi were sampled using passive settle plate method using Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Fungal genera were quantified and identified after 5 to 7 days of incubation. A survey adapted from the Industrial Code of Practice 2010 (ICOP 2010) was participated by 350 occupants of the study areas. It was used to investigate the perceived SBS symptoms experienced by them. Based on visual inspection, several of the study areas had visible damp stained ceiling tiles, an indication of high humidity. Out of all the sampled locations, only one classroom and one laboratory was found to exceed 1000 CFU/m³ acceptable limit of fungal concentration recommended in ICOP 2010. Through the identification of fungal genera, Aspergillus sp. was found at all the three study areas. Other fungal genera found include Cladosporium sp., Alternaria sp., and Penicillium sp. In this study, airborne fungi concentration was found not to be a significant risk factor of SBS. Yet, the prevalence of SBS symptoms were more than moderate. Therefore, regular housekeeping and maintenance is still necessary to ensure optimum environmental condition to prevent fungal infestation for the sake of workers’ health and wellbeing.