Standard Guide for Developing Methodology for Evaluating the Ability of Indoor Materials to Support Microbial Growth Using Static Environmental Chambers

Importancia y uso:

4.1 The static chambers have several different applications:

4.1.1 The static chambers can be used to compare the susceptibility of different materials to the colonization and amplification of various microorganisms under defined conditions.

4.1.2 Chambers operated at high relative humidities may be used to perform worst case scenario screening tests on materials by providing an atmosphere where environmental conditions may be favorable for microbial growth.

4.1.3 Use of multiple chambers with different environmental parameters, such as a range of relative humidities, permits the evaluation of multiple microenvironments and allows investigation of materials under differing environmental conditions.

4.1.4 Drying requirements for wetted materials may also be investigated. This information may be relevant for determining material resistance to microbial growth after becoming wet. These conditions may simulate those where materials are subjected to water incursion through leaks as well as during remediation of a building after a fire.

4.1.5 Growth rates of microorganisms on the material may also be investigated. Once it has been established that organisms are able to grow on a particular material under defined conditions, investigations into the rate of organism growth may be performed. These evaluations provide base line information and can be used to evaluate methods to limit or contain amplification of microorganisms.

4.2 These techniques should be performed by personnel with training in microbiology. The individual must be competent in the use of sterile technique, which is critical to exclude external contamination of materials.

Subcomité:

D22.08

Referida por:

E3152-23, D7855_D7855M-13R21

Volúmen:

11.07

Número ICS:

07.100.99 (Other standards related to microbiology)

Palabras clave:

bacterial growth; building material; fungal growth; indoor air quality; indoor sinks; indoor sources; material susceptability; microorganisms; static chamber;