Current status of indoor microbial pollution and evaluation of air purifier effectiveness in Xi'an

Ling Chang; Feng Zhang; Ping Liu; Fan Gao; Jian HU; Ge MI; Yonggang Zhao; Dong Liu; Qian Liu; Xinmiao Liu; Xiaoyan WU; Jinlong MA

Return

Current status of indoor microbial pollution and evaluation of air purifier effectiveness in Xi'an

VernacularTitle:西安市室内微生物污染现状及净化器效果评估
Author: Ling CHANG ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Feng ZHANG ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Ping LIU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Fan GAO ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Jian HU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Ge MI ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Yonggang ZHAO ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Dong LIU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Qian LIU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Xinmiao LIU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Xiaoyan WU ^{1
,

2
,

3} ; Jinlong MA ^{1
,

2
,

3}
Author Information

1. Department of Health Monitor, Xi'
2. an Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Xi'
3. an, Shaanxi Province 710054 , China
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Indoor microbial pollution; Health effects; Air purifier
From: Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;35(6):59-62
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective To investigate the current situation and health effects of indoor microbial pollution in Xi'an, to analyze the purification effect of air purifiers on indoor microbial pollution, and to provide reference for improving the indoor environment. Methods Through stratified random sampling, 20 families from rural areas and 20 families from upwind and downwind urban areas respectively were selected from Xi'an. Data was collected by questionnaire surveys and on-site environmental sampling. Non-parametric analysis and correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results Overall, the standard-exceeding rate of total count of bacteria was 5.00%. The medians of the total count of bacteria and fungi were 312.50 cfu/m3 and 260.00 cfu/m³, respectively. In terms of health effects, the correlation between rhinitis and cold with total bacterial count was statistically significant (P<0.05), with the correlation coefficients of 0.182 and 0.223, respectively. Purification effect of air purifiers on microbial pollution was statistically significant (P<0.05). After opening for 2 hours, the total numbers of bacteria and fungi decreased significantly. Conclusion The occurrence risk of colds and rhinitis is increased by indoor microbial pollution. Air purifiers have a certain effect on decreasing the total number of bacteria and fungi. It is recommended to use air purifiers with high CADR of particulate matter, double-layer filter and sterilization and dehumidification function, and replace the filters regularly to reduce indoor microbiological contamination.