Monitoring of microclimatic conditions and the occurrenceof micromycetes in crawl space

Abstract

Therisk of creating suitable microclimatic conditions for the growth and development of micromycetes in a crawl space is relativelyhigh. Spores of micromycetes can infiltrate theliving space through leaks in ceiling construction of the crawl space due topressure conditions.The study is focused on monitoring microclimatic conditions and the occurrence ofmicromycetes in the crawl space in the Czech Republic.Samples were taken from thecrawl space structures (ceiling structure and foundation walls) using sponges.Additionally, sedimentation methods were used to monitor the indoor microclimate (in the crawl space) and the outdoor microclimate.In the crawl space, spores of micromycetes ofthegeneraAlternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Didymella, Epicoccum, Sarocladium, Sordariaand Penicilliumwere detected. The relative humidity in the crawl space ranged from 50% to95% during the model year. In total, 6,659 hours were spent in the crawl space with a relative humidity of about 75%.Therisk of creating suitable microclimatic conditions for the growth and development of micromycetes in a crawl space is relativelyhigh. Spores of micromycetes can infiltrate theliving space through leaks in ceiling construction of the crawl space due topressure conditions.The study is focused on monitoring microclimatic conditions and the occurrence ofmicromycetes in the crawl space in the Czech Republic.Samples were taken from thecrawl space structures (ceiling structure and foundation walls) using sponges.Additionally, sedimentation methods were used to monitor the indoor microclimate (in the crawl space) and the outdoor microclimate.In the crawl space, spores of micromycetes ofthegeneraAlternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Didymella, Epicoccum, Sarocladium, Sordariaand Penicilliumwere detected. The relative humidity in the crawl space ranged from 50% to95% during the model year. In total, 6,659 hours were spent in the crawl space with a relative humidity of about 75%.