INTRODUCTION
Indoor air pollution is recognized as a major environmental health concern worldwide. Fungal pathogens, both indoors and outdoors, contribute significantly to health risks, especially among individuals who spend extensive time in enclosed environments. Literature shows that 90% of pathogenic exposure occurs indoors, particularly in poorly ventilated buildings (Beggs, 2003, Yassin et.al., 2010). Fungal proliferation depends largely on temperature, humidity, organic substrates, and air movement- conditions frequently present in school laboratories.
The Manila University Science Laboratories such as Medical Technology, Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are commonly used by students and faculty for laboratory activities. The absence of a standardized Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) management policy increases the potential for microbial contamination. This study was conducted to identify pathogenic fungi present in fourteen (14) Manila University science laboratories and to develop an Indoor Air Quality Management Plan tailored to their needs.
METHODS
Research Design
An experimental research design was used to assess fungal air pathogens using settle plate methods, environmental monitoring, colony morphology, microscopic identification and antifungal susceptibility testing across fourteen (14) Manila University laboratories.
Sampling Site
Fourteen (14) Manila University laboratories were included: Medical Technology: LG 313, Pharmacy: LG 311, LG 310, M 309, M 308, and Research Laboratory, Chemistry: M 307, M 306, M 305, Physics: M302, and Biology: M 503, M 502, M 501 and M 500.
Environmental Monitoring
Temperature and Relative Humidity were measured using an HTC-1 Digital Hygrometer for one day in each laboratory. Acceptable IAQ ranges were 20 for 65% RH and 20-25oC temperature.
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