APPLICATION OF ANTI-FUNGUS PAINT IN THE

BUILDING
Dear Sir,
Reference your email date February 9, 2009 about the application of antifungus paint on above suspended ceiling,
Here is some information and guidelines for this matter.
We have studied application of anti fungus paint as laid down in applicable
Building codes, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Agencies), fire
protection codes for life safety, ASHRAE guide for health care facilities and
mechanical insulation, and different reports/literatures and found that
there is no application of such anti fungus paint above the suspended
ceiling. These codes only provides guidelines to improve the insulation of
services, in time, proper maintenance, preventive measures for
remediation of the source of fungi and mold growth.
The most significant factors for the fungus growth include damp places
where moisture content is above 70 to 75%, temperature is between 30 to
35C, and dust contamination. It also includes the duration of exposure of
the surface to these factors.
In our project most of the services like CW (chilled water) pipes are routed
in the corridor above the suspended ceiling and the insulation used on
pipes and duct is according to ASTM D 2020, UL 181 (the insulation does
not breed or sustain Mold, Fungus, Bacteria or Rodents), ASTM D-07 B,
ASTM C 533 (Insulation does not absorb moisture more than 0.2% at 95%
humidity). The insulation used for water supply pipes is closed cell type
(Superlon) implies ASTM C272/1056 (Very low permeability water that is
0.11 ug.m/N.h) which does not promote the fungi or mold growth. To
protect the patients from infection sources (bacteria, virus, molds etc),
HEPA filters having DOP test efficiencies 99.97%, Pressurization of rooms,
and number of air changes are provided according to ASHRAE, (Guidance
for Health care facilities 2007).
Moreover, the services running outside the building should be protected
with weather resistance jacket (GI cladding/Vanture Clad). During
construction work plastic covering and vapor stopper in pipe and duct
insulation at desired places is being provided.
To improve the quality standards, we suggest to use anti-fungus paint only
where water activity is frequent, such as pump room inside underground
water tank, boiler room, AHU rooms, and HVAC plant room.

Regards.

Zahid Nisar Hashmi.