First step to build on index to detect microbial volatile organic compounds emitted by moulds growing on building materials

Nowadays, the detection of moulds hidden in buildings is only possible after degradation of the building materials. In the early 2000s, a new approach is suggested to detect fungal contamination of building materials. This one is based on the determination of the VOC emitted by the moulds, called Microbial-VOC (MVOC). This study was conducted to screen the emission of MVOCs by three different moulds growing on specific materials (shower mat, plasterboard, wood wool). The carbon dioxide, as indicator of biological activity, was also measured. In this paper, the development of an integrated index was considered for a new approach in the detection of hidden moulds. The index will be an algorithm with various variables specific to the moulds (for example: RH, CO
₂
, single VOC and specific VOC pattern...). The goal is to propose an innovative and simple tool working with low cost sensors.