A new TAPPI standard has been proposed: "Aerobiological fungal growth of paper under extreme indoor air quality." This test method evaluates fungal spore germination on cellulose paper fiber under post-flood disaster conditions. Part one evaluates fungi growth on samples by visually recording germination over a 7-day testing period as the temperature slowly increases. Part two evaluates the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs), and types of fungi growing on samples in the environmental cabinet assembly, after 28 days. Environmental cabinet assembly conditions simulate indoor air quality (IAQ) conditions, occurring in room post-flood disaster, when building mechanical systems are inoperable, affecting cellulose products as the RH and temperature increase.
The procedure will: (a) determine background levels of VOC and MVOC in the tank chamber, before testing; (b) test the paper sample for fungal growth, after 7 days of testing; (c) visually evaluate fungal growth on the paper sample as RH and temperature increase; (d) determine levels of VOC and MVOC, after the 28-day testing period; and (e) document quantitative and qualitative data.
Any persons who are interested in this method may join the Standard-Specific Interest Group (SSIG) to receive ballots when this method is ready for vote. If you would like to join the SSIG for this project, please notify the Standards Department at standards@tappi.org or by fax at +1-770-446-6947, no later than May 21, 2010.