Few data have been published on normal background levels of airborne fungi
and bacteria in office spaces. The need is growing for baseline data that c
an be used in complaint investigations, remediation monitoring, and evaluat
ion of building design, operation, and maintenance.
Recovery from a major earthquake centered near California State University
at Northridge presented an opportunity to study a variety of office structu
res and to compare bioaerosols and their degree of temporal and spatial var
iability. Airborne concentrations were observed to be low. Variation within
structures and throughout the year was also relatively small. The potentia
l value of these observations is discussed.
Higher concentrations of bioaerosols in one of the temporary structures, wh
ich was the site of worker complaints, provided a case study in data interp
retation and a caution to environmental health professionals investigating
indoor air quality complaints.