Good ventilation regulation

Oct 13, 2025 by pinkandtrash.com 25 views

Identification of Mushrooms in AC Apusan in Classrooms of S-1 Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Introduction

The presence of mushrooms in the air is often associated with poor ventilation problems. The use of Air Conditioner (AC) is one solution to increase air circulation in the room. However, mushrooms can stick to the dust found between the AC and contribute to the formation of bioaerosol. These various types of fungi can cause health symptoms, ranging from mild to serious diseases that can be life-threatening. This phenomenon is often associated with the term "Sick Building Syndrome". This study aims to assess and identify the existence of mushrooms in AC in all classrooms of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

The importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment in educational institutions cannot be overstated. Students spend a significant amount of time in classrooms, and exposure to poor air quality can have serious consequences on their health and well-being. The presence of mushrooms in AC can be a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, and it is essential to identify and mitigate this issue. This study aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge on indoor air quality and the health effects of mushrooms in educational institutions.

Methodology

The study was conducted by taking samples of apusan from the sidelines of the AC in the classroom. The mushroom identification process is carried out through the KOH and Culture test on the Saboraud Dextrose media so that during the period 1-3 weeks. The samples were collected from all undergraduate classrooms in the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra. The samples were then analyzed using the KOH and Culture test to identify the presence of mushrooms.

The KOH test is a widely used method for identifying fungi. The test involves dissolving the sample in a solution of potassium hydroxide (KOH), which breaks down the cell walls of the fungi, allowing for the identification of the fungal species. The Culture test involves growing the fungi on a nutrient-rich medium, such as Saboraud Dextrose agar, to observe the growth and morphology of the fungi.

Results

From the AC surface analysis taken from the entire undergraduate classroom student classroom, several species of mushrooms were found. Mushroom species that were successfully isolated from the environment in the classroom include:

Candida sp. (100%)
Aspergillus sp. (15%)
Fusarium sp. (11.5%)
Mucor sp. (11.5%)

The most common type of fungus is Candida sp. and Aspergillus sp. These fungi are commonly found in indoor environments and are known to cause a range of health symptoms, from mild to serious.

Conclusion

This study shows that all AC in the Classroom of S-1 Student Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra contains various kinds of mushrooms. Generally, mushrooms in the air in the room are not pathogenic, except in individuals with immune system disorders. Mushrooms identified in this study are contaminant fungi commonly found in the air. Exposure to this fungus generally does not have a negative impact on individuals who have a good immune system, but in some cases, can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with atopic predisposition.

Additional Analysis

The existence of mushrooms in the indoor environment, especially on air conditioning devices, raises important questions about air quality and the health of the occupants of the room. In the context of education, clean and healthy classrooms are needed to support the effective teaching and learning process. Therefore, it is essential for the university to conduct periodic inspections of air quality and air conditioning devices in the classroom.

Good environmental management, including routine cleaning on AC, can reduce the possibility of accumulation of fungi and dust, thereby improving air quality and preventing health problems among students. In addition, education about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness in the classroom also needs to be improved. Awareness of the potential health risks caused by fungi can encourage precautions, such as the use of air cleaning tools and good ventilation regulation.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Regular cleaning of AC: Regular cleaning of AC is essential to reduce the accumulation of fungi and dust, thereby improving air quality and preventing health problems among students.
Air quality monitoring: The university should conduct periodic inspections of air quality and air conditioning devices in the classroom to ensure that the air is clean and healthy.
Education and awareness: Education about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness in the classroom should be improved to raise awareness of the potential health risks caused by fungi.
Use of air cleaning tools: The use of air cleaning tools, such as HEPA filters, can help to remove fungi and other airborne pollutants from the air.
Good ventilation regulation: Good ventilation regulation is essential to prevent the accumulation of fungi and other airborne pollutants in the classroom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment in educational institutions. The presence of mushrooms in AC can be a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, and it is essential to identify and mitigate this issue. The findings of this study suggest that regular cleaning of AC, air quality monitoring, education and awareness, use of air cleaning tools, and good ventilation regulation are essential to prevent health problems among students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Identification of Mushrooms in AC Apusan in Classrooms of S-1 Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to assess and identify the existence of mushrooms in AC in all classrooms of the Faculty of Medicine, University of North Sumatra.

Q: What are the potential health risks associated with mushrooms in AC?

A: The presence of mushrooms in AC can cause health symptoms, ranging from mild to serious diseases that can be life-threatening. These fungi can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with atopic predisposition and can also cause respiratory problems.

Q: What types of fungi were found in the study?

A: The study found the following types of fungi:

Candida sp. (100%)
Aspergillus sp. (15%)
Fusarium sp. (11.5%)
Mucor sp. (11.5%)

Q: What is the significance of the findings of this study?

A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy indoor environment in educational institutions. The presence of mushrooms in AC can be a significant contributor to indoor air pollution, and it is essential to identify and mitigate this issue.

Q: What are the recommendations for reducing the presence of mushrooms in AC?

A: The following recommendations are made:

Regular cleaning of AC: Regular cleaning of AC is essential to reduce the accumulation of fungi and dust, thereby improving air quality and preventing health problems among students.
Air quality monitoring: The university should conduct periodic inspections of air quality and air conditioning devices in the classroom to ensure that the air is clean and healthy.
Education and awareness: Education about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness in the classroom should be improved to raise awareness of the potential health risks caused by fungi.
Use of air cleaning tools: The use of air cleaning tools, such as HEPA filters, can help to remove fungi and other airborne pollutants from the air.
Good ventilation regulation: Good ventilation regulation is essential to prevent the accumulation of fungi and other airborne pollutants in the classroom.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing the issue of mushrooms in AC?

A: If the issue of mushrooms in AC is not addressed, it can lead to a range of health problems among students, including respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and even life-threatening diseases.

Q: How can students and faculty members contribute to maintaining a healthy indoor environment?

A: Students and faculty members can contribute to maintaining a healthy indoor environment by:

Reporting any issues with air quality or AC to the university administration
Participating in regular cleaning and maintenance of AC
Using air cleaning tools, such as HEPA filters
Following good ventilation regulation
Raising awareness about the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness in the classroom

Q: What are the next steps for the university in addressing the issue of mushrooms in AC?

A: The university should conduct periodic inspections of air quality and air conditioning devices in the classroom to ensure that the air is clean and healthy. Additionally, the university should implement the recommendations made in this study to reduce the presence of mushrooms in AC and maintain a healthy indoor environment.