Case 12

BuildingCommon area at academic building
LocationCeiling board
Ventilation ModeAir-conditioning
Sampling MethodTape sampling, Culturing
No. of Tape Samples1
No. of Cultured Samples (from tape)4
Medium UsedPotato Dextrose Agar (PDA)

Temperature (°C): 26.8
Relative Humidity (RH): 58.3
Wind Speed (m/s): 0.16

12-1

Building

12-2

The building is an air-conditioned building housing educational facilities of lecture theatres, administration offices and science laboratories. Mould was found growing amongst water stains on the false ceiling at a common corridor .

Observation

12-1

The ceiling finishing was relatively new, following the recent renovation 8 to 10 months back. However introduction of moisture from the defects of hidden mechanical works resulted in spots of mould growth. The colonies were observed to be small, suggesting recent contamination.

The false ceiling of concern is a fixed system. Compared to the panelized systems of the previous cases, where the ceiling board can be easily removed and replaced, partial replacement of fixed ceiling boards requires tedious reconstruction and making good.

Identified Fungus

12-3