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Lee S, Ryu SH, Sul WJ, Kim S, Kim D, Seo S. Association of exposure to indoor molds and dampness with allergic diseases at water-damaged dwellings in Korea. Sci Rep 2024; 14:135. [PMID: 38167981 PMCID: PMC10762174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50226-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to characterize levels of molds, bacteria, and environmental pollutants, identify the associations between indoor mold and dampness exposures and childhood allergic diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, using three different exposure assessment tools. A total of 50 children with their parents who registered in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do in Korea participated in this study. We collated the information on demographic and housing characteristics, environmental conditions, and lifestyle factors using the Korean version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire. We also collected environmental monitoring samples of airborne molds and bacteria, total volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, and particulate matter less than 10 µm. We evaluated and determined water damage, hidden dampness, and mold growth in dwellings using an infrared (IR) thermal camera and field inspection. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations between prevalent allergic diseases and exposure to indoor mold and dampness. Indoor mold and bacterial levels were related to the presence of water damage in dwellings, and the mean levels of indoor molds (93.4 ± 73.5 CFU/m3) and bacteria (221.5 ± 124.2 CFU/m3) in water-damaged homes were significantly higher than those for molds (82.0 ± 58.7 CFU/m3) and for bacteria (152.7 ± 82.1 CFU/m3) in non-damaged dwellings (p < 0.05). The crude odds ratios (ORs) of atopic dermatitis were associated with < 6th floor (OR = 3.80), and higher indoor mold (OR = 6.42) and bacterial levels (OR = 6.00). The crude ORs of allergic diseases, defined as a group of cases who ever suffered from two out of three allergic diseases, e.g., asthma and allergic rhinitis, and allergic rhinitis were also increased by 3.8 and 9.3 times as large, respectively, with water damage (+) determined by IR camera (p < 0.05). The adjusted OR of allergic rhinitis was significantly elevated by 10.4 times in the water-damaged dwellings after adjusting age, sex, and secondhand smoke. Therefore, a longitudinal study is needed to characterize dominant mold species using DNA/RNA-based sequencing techniques and identify a causal relationship between mold exposure and allergic diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokwon Lee
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hun Ryu
- Environmental Health Research Department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, 22689, Republic of Korea
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jun Sul
- Department of Systems Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology and Natural Resources, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Kim
- Allergy Immunology Center, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohyeong Kim
- School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, 75080-3021, USA
| | - SungChul Seo
- Department of Nano, Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Seokyeong University, Seoul, 02173, Republic of Korea.
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Eriksen E, Afanou AK, Madsen AM, Straumfors A, Graff P. An assessment of occupational exposure to bioaerosols in automated versus manual waste sorting plants. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 218:115040. [PMID: 36521541 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure during waste sorting is associated with several health outcomes. This study obtained knowledge about the impact of work in fully automated waste sorting plants (AWSP; n = 3) vs manual waste sorting plants (MWSP; n = 3) on personal exposure (n = 71) to bioaerosols and exposure-related health effects. Personal full-shift air samples were collected using various filter-based active sampling devices that were placed in the workers' breathing zone. Personal exposure to inhalable and thoracic dust, endotoxin and microorganisms varied considerably between and within types of waste sorting plants (WSP). Workers at AWSP were on average exposed to 0.34 mg/m3 inhalable dust, 0.15 mg/m3 thoracic dust, and 51 EU/m3 endotoxins (geometric mean (GM) levels), whereas GM exposure levels at MWSP were 0.66 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, 0.44 mg/m3 for thoracic dust, and 32 EU/m3 for endotoxins. Exposure to submicronic fungal fragments did not differ between types of plants and ranged from levels below the detection limit (limit of detection, LOD) to levels in the order of 106 fragments/m3. Higher levels of fungal fragments and fungal spores were found at AWSP compared to MWSP with a GM of 2.1 × 105 spores/m3and with a GM of 1.2 × 105 spores/m3, respectively. Actinobacterial spores were found in samples from AWSP only, with exposure levels ranging from 1.9 × 104 to 1.1 × 107 spores/m3. Exposure to microbial DNA varied within and between WSP and was on average in the order of 104 copies/m3 for fungi and 105 copies/m3 for bacteria. Health symptoms, such as sneezing, congested nose and runny nose were significantly more common among exposed workers compared to the unexposed control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Eriksen
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anani Komlavi Afanou
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Straumfors
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Graff
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
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Salambanga FRD, Wingert L, Valois I, Lacombe N, Gouin F, Trépanier J, Debia M, Soszczyńska E, Twarużek M, Kosicki R, Dias M, Viegas S, Caetano L, Viegas C, Marchand G. Microbial contamination and metabolite exposure assessment during waste and recyclable material collection. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113597. [PMID: 35660405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Waste workers are exposed to bioaerosols when handling, lifting and dumping garbage. Bioaerosol exposure has been linked to health problems such as asthma, airway irritant symptoms, infectious, gastrointestinal and skin diseases, and cancer. Our objective was to characterize the exposure of urban collectors and drivers to inhalable bioaerosols and to measured the cytotoxic effect of air samples in order to evaluate their health risk. Personal and ambient air sampling were conducted during the summer of 2019. Workers from 12 waste trucks collecting recyclables, organic waste or compost were evaluated. Bacteria and fungi were cultured, molecular biology methods were used to detect microbial indicators, cytotoxic assays were performed and endotoxins and mycotoxins were quantified. Domestic waste collectors were exposed to concentrations of bacteria and endotoxins above the recommended limits, and Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected at critical concentrations in their breathing zones. Cytotoxic effects were observed in many samples, demonstrating the potential health risk for these workers. This study establishes evidence that waste workers are exposed to microbial health risks during collection. It also demonstrates the relevance of cytotoxic assays in documenting the general toxic risk found in air samples. Our results also suggest that exposures differ depending on the type of waste, job title and discharge/unloading locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola R D Salambanga
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada; Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité Du Travail, Canada
| | - Loïc Wingert
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité Du Travail, Canada
| | - Isabelle Valois
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Nancy Lacombe
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - François Gouin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Julien Trépanier
- Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité Du Travail, Canada
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Canada
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Canada; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Liliana Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Canada; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Geneviève Marchand
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada; Institut de Recherche Robert-Sauvé en Santé et Sécurité Du Travail, Canada.
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Viegas C, Pena P, Dias M, Gomes B, Cervantes R, Carolino E, Twarużek M, Soszczyńska E, Kosicki R, Caetano LA, Viegas S. Microbial contamination in waste collection: Unveiling this Portuguese occupational exposure scenario. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 314:115086. [PMID: 35483278 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.115086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies anticipated that microorganisms and their metabolites in waste will increase as a consequence of a decreased collection frequency and due to differences in what kind of waste is bagged before collection leading to an increased exposure of workers handling the waste. This study aim was to investigate the microbial contamination present in the waste collection trucks (WCT) and in the support facilities (waste collection station - WCS). It was applied a multi-approach protocol using active (air sampling by impingement and impaction) and passive (surface swabs, electrostatic dust cloths and settled dust) sampling methods. The screening of azole-resistance, the investigation of mycotoxins and the assessment of the elicited biological responses in vitro were also carried out aiming recognizing the possible health effects of waste collection drivers. SARS-CoV-2 detection was also performed. In WCS only air samples had contamination in all the four sampling sites (canteen, operational removal core, operational removal center, and administrative service). Among all the analyzed matrices from the WCT a higher percentage of total bacterial counts and Gram-was detected in swabs (66.93%; 99.36%). In WCS the most common species were Penicillium sp. (43.98%) and Cladosporium sp. (24.68%), while on WCT Aspergillus sp. (4.18%) was also one of the most found. In the azole resistance screening Aspergillus genera was not observed in the azole-supplemented media. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any of the environmental samples collected, but Aspergillus section Fumigati was detected in 5 samples. Mycotoxins were not detected in EDC from WCS, while in WCT they were detected in filters (N = 1) and in settled dust samples (N = 16). In conclusion, our study reveals that a comprehensive sampling approach using active and passive sampling (e.g. settled dust sampling for a representative mycotoxin evaluation) and combined analytic methods (i.e., culture-based and molecular) is an important asset in microbial exposure assessments. Concerning the waste collection exposure scenario, the results of this study unveiled a complex exposure, particularly to fungi and their metabolites. Aspergillus section Fumigati highlight the significance of targeting this section in the waste management industry as an indicator of occupational health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
| | - Bianca Gomes
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
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5
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Cerimi K, Jäckel U, Meyer V, Daher U, Reinert J, Klar S. In Vitro Systems for Toxicity Evaluation of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds on Humans: Current Status and Trends. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 8:75. [PMID: 35050015 PMCID: PMC8780961 DOI: 10.3390/jof8010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOC) are metabolic products and by-products of bacteria and fungi. They play an important role in the biosphere: They are responsible for inter- and intra-species communication and can positively or negatively affect growth in plants. But they can also cause discomfort and disease symptoms in humans. Although a link between mVOCs and respiratory health symptoms in humans has been demonstrated by numerous studies, standardized test systems for evaluating the toxicity of mVOCs are currently not available. Also, mVOCs are not considered systematically at regulatory level. We therefore performed a literature survey of existing in vitro exposure systems and lung models in order to summarize the state-of-the-art and discuss their suitability for understanding the potential toxic effects of mVOCs on human health. We present a review of submerged cultivation, air-liquid-interface (ALI), spheroids and organoids as well as multi-organ approaches and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of mVOC fingerprinting. However, given the most recent developments in the field, we expect that there will soon be adequate models of the human respiratory tract and its response to mVOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kustrim Cerimi
- Unit 4.7 Biological Agents, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Nöldnerstraße 40–42, 10317 Berlin, Germany; (U.J.); (J.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Udo Jäckel
- Unit 4.7 Biological Agents, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Nöldnerstraße 40–42, 10317 Berlin, Germany; (U.J.); (J.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Vera Meyer
- Chair of Applied and Molecular Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Ugarit Daher
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), BIH Stem Cell Core Facility, Berlin Institute of Health, Charité—Universitätsmedizin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Jessica Reinert
- Unit 4.7 Biological Agents, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Nöldnerstraße 40–42, 10317 Berlin, Germany; (U.J.); (J.R.); (S.K.)
| | - Stefanie Klar
- Unit 4.7 Biological Agents, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Nöldnerstraße 40–42, 10317 Berlin, Germany; (U.J.); (J.R.); (S.K.)
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Viegas C, Twarużek M, Dias M, Almeida B, Carolino E, Soszczyńska E, Viegas S, Aranha Caetano L. Cytotoxicity of filtering respiratory protective devices from the waste sorting industry: A comparative study between interior layer and exhalation valve. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 155:106603. [PMID: 33940392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Filtering respiratory protection devices (FRPD) are mandatory for workers to wear in the Portuguese waste-sorting industry. Previous results regarding microbial contamination found on FRPD interior layer raised the question of whether microbial contamination from the exhalation valve would also have cytotoxicity effects. Since the FRPD exhalation valves are very close to workers' nose and mouth, they represent a source of exposure to bioburden by inhalation. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the microbial contamination present in the FRPD exhalation valves. For this purpose, the cytotoxicity effects were determined through the MTT assay in two different cell lines (human A549 epithelial lung cells, and swine kidney cells) and compared with previous results obtained with FRPD interior layers. The contamination present in the FRPD exhalation valves presented some cytotoxicity on epithelial lung cells, suggesting the inhalation route as a potential route of exposure through the use of FRPD in the waste-sorting industry. Half-maximal (50%) inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were lower for FRPD interior layer than exhalation valves in lung cells, with overall cytotoxicity lower in exhalation valves when compared to interior layer (z = -4.455, p = 0.000). Higher bacterial counts in TSA were correlated with lower IC50 values, thus, higher cytotoxicity effect in lung cells. No statistically significant differences were detected among different workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Almeida
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza 30, 85-064 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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Kasemy ZA, Rohlman DS, Abdel Latif AA. Health disorders among Egyptian municipal solid waste workers and assessment of their knowledge, attitude, and practice towards the hazardous exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:30993-31002. [PMID: 33594549 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12856-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste workers are exposed to variety of injuries and diseases at work. To study health disorders among workers in the waste management field and to assess their knowledge attitude and practice (KAP) towards hazardous exposure and safety measures. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 275 waste workers and an equal number as a group of controls from workers' relatives or workers not involved in waste management. Workers completed a self-administered or interviewer-based questionnaire containing data about (i) knowledge, e.g., management of wastes, types of hazards associated with solid waste management, and safety measures; (ii) attitude, e.g., opinions about mode of transmission of infection and safety measures; and (iii) practice, e.g., available safety measures to prevent exposure to hazards. Health education sessions were carried out with pre- and post-assessment of KAP. Both groups were assessed regarding the health status through history, general, and local examination (respiratory system and skin) in addition to spirometric measurements and complete blood count. A total of 275 exposed solid waste workers and 275 controls were included. A significantly higher prevalence of symptoms regarding respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal, and dermatological systems were detected among the exposed group than the controls (P<0.05). Significantly lower levels of RBCs, Hb, HCT, and MCH were reported among the exposed group than the controls (P<0.05). Among the exposed group vs. controls, FEV1 reported 99.75±13.35 vs. 104.83±10.47 (P<0.001), FEV1/FVC% reported 98.88±15.32 vs. 102.72±14.36 (P=0.003), FEF25-75% reported 99.64±17.06 vs. 103.07±19.38 (P=0.029), and PEF% reported 58.73±16.31 vs. 62.12±12.91 (P=0.007). Unsatisfactory knowledge was reported among 64% of solid waste workers, 69.1% had negative attitude, and 73.8% had unsafe practice. KAP was significantly higher post than pre-health education (P<0.001). Respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin infections were common among solid waste workers. Assessment of KAP towards management of wastes, transmission of infection, exposure to sharps, and safety measures showed poor levels that got improved after health education. To maintain good health among solid waste workers, direct supervision with periodic medical examination and focused continuous health education are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab A Kasemy
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department (Public Health and Community Medicine Specialty), Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Gamal Abdel Nasser st, 5th floor, Shibin El Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Diane S Rohlman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Asmaa A Abdel Latif
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department (Industrial medicine and occupational health specialty), Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
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Viegas C, Caetano LA, Viegas S. Occupational exposure to Aspergillus section Fumigati: Tackling the knowledge gap in Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 194:110674. [PMID: 33440201 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Aspergillus section Fumigati is one of the sections of the Aspergillus genus most often associated with respiratory symptoms. The azole-resistant clinical isolates in this section have been widely described worldwide. More recently, the environmental origin of azole resistance has been correlated with the development of fungal diseases and therapeutic failure. This paper presents a review of several studies performed in Portuguese occupational environments focusing on occupational exposure to this section and give guidance to exposure assessors and industrial hygienists to ensure an accurate exposure assessment. Future studies should tackle the limitations concerning the assessment of occupational exposure to the Fumigati section, in order to allow the implementation of adequate risk management measures. In the light of the results of previous studies, the following approach is proposed to ensure an accurate exposure assessment: a) a combination of active and passive sampling methods appropriate to each occupational environment; b) the use, in parallel, of culture-based methods and molecular tools to overcome the limitations of each method; c) evaluation of the mycobiota azole resistance profile; and d) consider the possible simultaneous presence of mycotoxins produced by this section when assessing workers occupational exposure. In sum, preventing the development of fungal strains resistant to azoles will only be achieved with a holistic approach. An adequate "One Health approach" can contribute positively to concerted actions in different sectors, by reducing the use of fungicides through the introduction of crops and agricultural practices that prevent fungal colonization, and by promoting the rational use of antifungal drugs in human and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal.
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Portugal; NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Portugal; Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Portugal
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Viegas C, Dias M, Almeida B, Carolino E, Viegas S. Aspergillus spp. presence on mechanical protection gloves from the waste sorting industry. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2020; 17:523-530. [PMID: 33206026 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2020.1834113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The organic material present on waste sorting units serve as a substrate for different microorganisms, increasing workers' exposure to Aspergillus spp. This study intends to assess the Aspergillus spp. contamination on Mechanical Protection Gloves (MPG) from different workstations and understand the role of MPG in workers' exposure to these genera. Sixty-seven used MPG were collected from different workstations and extracts were seeded on malt extract agar (MEA) supplemented with chloramphenicol (0.05%) and dichloran glycerol (DG18). The same extracts were used for the molecular detection of fungal species/strains, with reported toxigenic potential, namely Aspergillus sections (Circumdati, Flavi, Fumigati, and Nidulantes). Among Aspergillus spp., the sections with the highest prevalence on MEA were Nigri (88.29%) and Fumigati (8.63%), whereas on DG18 were Nigri (31.79%) and Circumdati (30.77%). Aspergillus section Circumdati was detected in 22 MPG samples by RT-PCR (32.84%), Fumigati in 59 samples (88.06%), Nidulantes in 61 samples (91.05%), and Flavi in 6 samples (8.96%). It was showed that, even with daily replacement, MPG presented Aspergillus spp. contamination. Thus, a more regular replacement of MPG and the adoption of complementary hygienic procedures by workers are critical to guarantee workers' protection in this occupational environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Almeida
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC- Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
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Norouzian Baghani A, Sorooshian A, Delikhoon M, Nabizadeh R, Nazmara S, Bakhtiari R. Pollution characteristics and noncarcinogenic risk assessment of fungal bioaerosol in different processing units of waste paper and cardboard recycling factory. TOXIN REV 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1769135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Norouzian Baghani
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mahdieh Delikhoon
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Ramin Nabizadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Air Pollution Research (CAPR), Institute for Environmental Research (IER), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Nazmara
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rounak Bakhtiari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Public Health and Institute Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Madsen AM, Frederiksen MW, Jacobsen MH, Tendal K. Towards a risk evaluation of workers' exposure to handborne and airborne microbial species as exemplified with waste collection workers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 183:109177. [PMID: 32006769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Bioaerosol exposure is associated with health problems. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether it is possible to assess the risks posed by waste collection workers' exposure through identification and characterization of bacterial and fungal species, to which the workers are exposed. Using MALDI-TOF MS, microorganisms in waste collection workers' exposure through air, hand, and contact with the steering wheel were identified. Fungi found in high concentrations from the workers' exposure were characterized for the total inflammatory potential (TIP), cytotoxicity, and biofilm-forming capacity. In total, 180 different bacterial and 37 different fungal species in the workers' exposure samples were identified. Some of them belong to Risk Group 2, e.g. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Staphylococcus aureus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, some have been associated with occupational health problems e.g. Penicillium citrinum and P. glabrum and some are described as emerging pathogens e.g. Aureobasidium pullulans. The TIP of fungal species was dose-dependent. High TIP values were found for Penicillium italicum, P. brevicompactum, P. citrinum, and P. glabrum. Several species were cytotoxic, e.g. A. niger and P. expansum, while some, e.g. P. chrysogenum, did not affect the cell viability. Based on waste workers' average inhalation rate, they inhaled up to 2.3 × 104 cfu of A. niger, 7.4 × 104 cfu of P. expansum, and 4.0 × 106 cfu of P. italicum per work day. Some species e.g. A. niger and P. citrinum were able to form biofilm. In conclusion, the workers were exposed to several species of microorganisms of which some to varying degrees can be evaluated concerning risk. Thus, some microorganisms belong to Risk Group 2, and some are described as causing agents of occupational health problems, emerging pathogens, or intrinsically antibiotic resistant. For some other species very little is known. The TIP, cytotoxicity, and ability to form biofilm of the dominating fungi support and expand previous findings. These parameters depended on the species and the dose, thus highlighting the importance of species identification and exposure level in the risk assessment of exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Hyldeqvist Jacobsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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The Dose of Fungal Aerosol Inhaled by Workers in a Waste-Sorting Plant in Poland: A Case Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 17:ijerph17010177. [PMID: 31881797 PMCID: PMC6982232 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17010177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Bioaerosol monitoring is a rapidly emerging area in the context of work environments because microbial pollution is a key element of indoor air pollution and plays an important role in certain infectious diseases and allergies. However, as yet, relatively little is known about inhaled doses of microorganisms in workplaces. Today, the important issue of social concern is due to waste management, transport, sorting, and processing of wastes and their environmental impact and effects on public health. In fact, waste management activities can have numerous adverse effects on human wellbeing. Health effects are generally linked to exposure (EX), defined as the concentration of a contaminant and the length of time a person is exposed to this concentration. Dose is an effective tool for evaluating the quantity of a contaminant that actually crosses the body’s boundaries and influences the goal tissue. This document presents an analysis of the fungal waste-sorting plant EX dose (FWSPED) inhaled by workers in a waste-sorting plant (WSP) in Poland in March 2019. The main purpose of this research was to assess FWSPED inhaled by workers in two cabins at the WSP: the preliminary manual sorting cabin (PSP) and the purification manual sorting cabin (quality control; QSP). It was found that the FWSPED inhaled by workers was 193 CFU/kg in the PSP and 185 CFU/kg in the QSP. Fungal particles were quantitatively evaluated and qualitatively identified by the GEN III Biolog system. During the research, it was found that isolates belonging to the Aspergilus flavus and Penicillum chrysogenum strains were detected most frequently in the WSP. The total elimination of many anthropogenic sources is not possible, but the important findings of this research can be used to develop realistic management policies and methods to improve the biological air quality of WSPs for effective protection of WSP workers.
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Wassiem A, Zaki GR, Charl F, El-Gazzar R. Biochemical changes among municipal solid waste sorting workers: implications for personal protective equipment availability and use. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2019; 27:1028-1038. [PMID: 31570081 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2019.1674504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background. Solid waste management has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing human and environmental health. Municipal solid waste workers are potentially exposed to a variety of occupational biohazards and safety risks in the workplace. Objective. This study aimed to evaluate the availability and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and some biochemical changes among solid waste sorting workers. Methods. A group of solid waste sorting workers was interviewed and checked for availability, use and appropriateness of PPE using a structured questionnaire and checklist. Workers were tested for hepatic and renal function parameters and biomarkers of allergy and inflammation. Results. The level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker of inflammation was elevated in 12.9% while total serum immunoglobulin E was obviously high among most workers (79.2%). Workers with inadequately available, used or effective PPE were more likely to have morbidities and showed elevated serum levels of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, urea, creatinine, hsCRP and total immunoglobulin E. Conclusions. Elevated biomarkers of allergy and inflammation herald preclinical disease risks that should be included in basic health surveillance. Use of PPE should be emphasized for workers involved in solid waste sorting to effectively protect their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Wassiem
- Department of Occupational Health and Air Pollution, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Gehan Raafat Zaki
- Department of Occupational Health and Air Pollution, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Fahmy Charl
- Department of Occupational Health and Air Pollution, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Ragaa El-Gazzar
- Department of Occupational Health and Air Pollution, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Egypt
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14
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Brągoszewska E. Exposure to Bacterial and Fungal Aerosols: Microorganism Indices in A Waste-Sorting Plant in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183308. [PMID: 31505746 PMCID: PMC6765772 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An increased understanding of airborne microorganism populations should enable a better interpretation of bioaerosol exposure found in a working environment. An assessment of the contamination levels of mesophilic bacterial aerosol (MBA) and fungal aerosol (FA) was carried out using two evaluation indices for microbiological pollution—the total index of microbiological contamination per cubic meter (TIMC/m3) and the indoor–outdoor index (IOI). An advantage of selected indices is the inclusion of several co-existing factors that have an impact on the formation of bioaerosol. When properly used, they also highlight the low efficiency of the ventilation system caused by an insufficient air exchange. In this study, the microbial air quality (MAQ) of the working environment was assessed during the spring season at a sorting plant located in Southern Poland. Sampling was undertaken in the plant using an Andersen six-stage impactor which allows the obtainment of information about the size distribution of the air microflora. The value of average concentrations of MBA and the average concentration of FA collected in the preliminary cabin of the sorting plant (PCSP) and the cleaning cabin of the sorting plant (CCSP) were analyzed. The obtained values of MBA were 1.6 times higher indoors, compared to outdoors, while FA was 1.7 times higher outdoors than indoors. The maximum TIMC/m3 value was obtained in PCSP (2626). The calculated IOI in this study suggests that MBA concentrations are influenced by internal sources, as opposed to FA. The purpose of this work was to present the usefulness of using indices in assessing air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Brągoszewska
- Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Power and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland.
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15
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Air Quality and Potential Health Risk Impacts of Exposure to Bacterial Aerosol in a Waste Sorting Plant Located in the Mountain Region of Southern Poland, Around Which There Are Numerous Rural Areas. ATMOSPHERE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos10070360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have shown an association between working in waste sorting plants (SP) and occupational health problems, such as skin irritation or pulmonary diseases. These symptoms have been related to biological aerosol exposure. The main goal of this work was to assess the levels of concentration and the characteristics of bacterial aerosols in waste sorting plants, based on measurements taken in a plant located in the mountain region of Southern Poland, around which there are numerous rural areas. The average concentrations of culturable bacterial aerosol (CCBA) collected in the unloading hall of the waste sorting plant (UHSP) and the outdoor air of the sorting plant (OSP) were 2687 CFU/m3 and 1138 CFU/m3, respectively. Sampling was undertaken in the plant using an Andersen six-stage impactor (with aerodynamic cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1, and 0.65 μm), during the spring of 2019. Size distributions were unimodal, with a peak in particle bacterial aerodynamic diameters at less than 3.3 µm, increasing the potentially adverse health effects of their inhalation. An analysis was conducted to determine the antibiotic resistance of isolated strains of bacteria. During the study, it was found that isolates belonging to the genus Bacillus were most frequently detected in the waste sorting plant. Isolates with the highest resistance to antibiotics belonged to the genus Neisseria. This test indicates that the use of personal protective equipment is necessary.
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16
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Madsen AM, Frederiksen MW, Mahmoud Kurdi I, Sommer S, Flensmark E, Tendal K. Expanded cardboard waste sorting and occupational exposure to microbial species. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2019; 87:345-356. [PMID: 31109535 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Member states of the European Union have to maximize recycling. The current, Danish cardboard recycling system can be improved by increasing the kinds of cardboard products that can be recycled to include e.g. used beverage cartons and pizza boxes (i.e. an expanded cardboard fraction (ECF)). This study aims to obtain knowledge about exposure to airborne endotoxin and microorganisms at species level at different collection frequencies of ECF, and whether an increase in waste sorted fractions means that each waste fraction is collected less frequently. Bacterial and endotoxin concentrations were associated significantly with temperature inside the waste containers and endotoxin and fungal exposures with collection frequency. The concentration of fungi was highest at the truck back and for reduced collection frequencies. The geometric mean diameters of particles with bacteria were between 3.0 and 5.2 μm and with fungi between 3.8 μm and 6.0 μm. In total, 81 and 25 different bacterial and fungal species were found at the waste receiving plant, respectively. Work with ECF caused exposures to food-related microorganisms (e.g. Arthrobacter arilaitensis and Penicillium camemberti), potential pathogens (e.g. Bacillus cereus, Salmonella sp. and P. expansum), and commensal bacteria. Bacillus cereus and Salmonella were found in the particle size fraction often being swallowed. Workers collecting EFC will be at risk of being exposed to microbial species that normally are related to residual waste. It seems to be advisable with an EFC collection frequency shorter than eight weeks. However, introduction of new waste fractions has generally been associated with reduced collection frequencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Iman Mahmoud Kurdi
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Sussi Sommer
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Elisabeth Flensmark
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kira Tendal
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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17
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Misztal PK, Lymperopoulou DS, Adams RI, Scott RA, Lindow SE, Bruns T, Taylor JW, Uehling J, Bonito G, Vilgalys R, Goldstein AH. Emission Factors of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds from Environmental Bacteria and Fungi. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:8272-8282. [PMID: 29947506 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of the factors controlling the diverse chemical emissions of common environmental bacteria and fungi is crucial because they are important signal molecules for these microbes that also could influence humans. We show here not only a high diversity of mVOCs but that their abundance can differ greatly in different environmental contexts. Microbial volatiles exhibit dynamic changes across microbial growth phases, resulting in variance of composition and emission rate of species-specific and generic mVOCs. In vitro experiments documented emissions of a wide range of mVOCs (>400 different chemicals) at high time resolution from diverse microbial species grown under different controlled conditions on nutrient media, or residential structural materials ( N = 54, Ncontrol = 23). Emissions of mVOCs varied not only between microbial taxa at a given condition but also as a function of life stage and substrate type. We quantify emission factors for total and specific mVOCs normalized for respiration rates to account for the microbial activity during their stationary phase. Our VOC measurements of different microbial taxa indicate that a variety of factors beyond temperature and water activity, such as substrate type, microbial symbiosis, growth phase, and lifecycle affect the magnitude and composition of mVOC emission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessie Uehling
- Department of Biology , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
| | - Gregory Bonito
- Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences , Michigan State University , East Lansing , Michigan 48824 , United States
| | - Rytas Vilgalys
- Department of Biology , Duke University , Durham , North Carolina 27708 , United States
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18
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Emenyeonu LC, Croxford AE, Wilkinson MJ. The potential of aerosol eDNA sampling for the characterisation of commercial seed lots. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201617. [PMID: 30067814 PMCID: PMC6070268 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Seed shipments, silos and storage houses often contain weed seeds or seeds of restricted crops such as undeclared genetically modified (GM) varieties. Random sub-sampling is the favoured approach to detect unwanted biological materials in seed lots but is prohibitively expensive or else ineffective for the huge volumes of seeds moved in commercial operations. This study uses maize and cowpea seed admixtures as an exemplar to evaluate the feasibility of using aerosol sampling of "seed dust" as an alternative to seed sub-sampling. In an initial calibration phase, qPCR of the rbcL barcode followed by high-resolution melting (HRM) of a DNA titration series revealed a strong linear relationship between mix composition and HRM profiles. However, the relationship became skewed when flour mixes were used to build the titration, implying a DNA extraction bias favouring cowpea. Aerosol samples of seed dust above a titration of mixed seed samples were then collected along vertical and lateral axes. Aerosols were characterised by light microscopy, qPCR-HRM and next-generation DNA sequencing (Illumina MiSeq). Both molecular approaches again showed bias but this time in a reverse direction to flour samples. Microscopic examination of the aerosol sample suggested this divergence could be attributed to differences in abundance of airborne starch particles. Despite the bias, it was nevertheless possible to estimate relative abundance of each species using the abundance of minibarcodes. In light of these results we explore the feasibility of aerosol sampling for commercial seed lot characterisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorretha C. Emenyeonu
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adam E. Croxford
- School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, Waite Campus, Urrbrae, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mike J. Wilkinson
- Pwllpeiran Upland Research Centre, Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, Penglais, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, United Kingdom
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19
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Viegas S, Osteresch B, Almeida A, Cramer B, Humpf HU, Viegas C. Enniatin B and ochratoxin A in the blood serum of workers from the waste management setting. Mycotoxin Res 2017; 34:85-90. [PMID: 29185179 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-017-0302-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The waste management occupational environment is recognized by the simultaneous presence of several substances and biologic agents. Therefore, workers are exposed simultaneously to multiple contaminants. Occupational exposure to aflatoxin B1 in one Portuguese waste sorting plant was already reported. However, besides this mycotoxin, data regarding fungal contamination showed that exposure to other mycotoxins could be expected. A study was developed to analyze if exposure to other mycotoxins besides aflatoxin B1 was occurring in the workers from the waste sorting plant previously assessed and to discuss how these findings need to be considered in the risk assessment process. In addition to aflatoxin B1 detected previously by ELISA, two additional mycotoxins and one mycotoxin degradation product were detected and quantified by a multi-mycotoxin HPLC-MS/MS approach: Enniatin B and ochratoxin A as well as 2'R-ochratoxin A. Besides the confirmation of co-exposure to several mycotoxins, results probably indicate different exposure routes for the mycotoxins reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Viegas
- GIAS, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, lote 4.69.01, Parque das Nações, 1990-096, Lisbon, Portugal. .,Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida Pacre Cruz, 1600-560, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Bernd Osteresch
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Ana Almeida
- GIAS, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, lote 4.69.01, Parque das Nações, 1990-096, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Benedikt Cramer
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Humpf
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Corrensstr. 45, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Carla Viegas
- GIAS, ESTeSL-Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, lote 4.69.01, Parque das Nações, 1990-096, Lisbon, Portugal.,Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Avenida Pacre Cruz, 1600-560, Lisbon, Portugal
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20
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Viegas C, Faria T, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Gomes AQ, Viegas S. Aspergillus spp. prevalence in different Portuguese occupational environments: What is the real scenario in high load settings? JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2017; 14:771-785. [PMID: 28609213 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2017.1334901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The genus Aspergillus is one of the most prevalent regarding fungi in several highly contaminated occupational environments. The goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of Aspergillus spp. in different settings, focusing on those where a higher load of fungal contamination is expected according to the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. A specific protocol to ensure a more accurate assessment of the exposure to Aspergillus spp. is proposed aimed at allowing a detailed risk characterization and management. Two wastewater treatment plants, one wastewater elevation plant, four waste treatment plants, three cork industries, five slaughter houses, four feed industries, one poultry pavilion, and two swineries, all located in the outskirts of Lisbon, were assessed. In total, 125 air samples and 125 surface samples were collected and analysed by culture-based methods. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect fungal presence in 100 samples, targeting the Aspergillus sections Circumdati, Flavi, and Fumigati. The highest prevalence of Aspergillus spp. was found in wastewater treatment plants (69.3%; 31.1%), waste treatment plants (34.8%; 73.6%), and poultry feed industry (6.3%; 26.1%), in air and surfaces, respectively. Aspergillus spp. was also prevalent in cork industry (0.9%; 23.4%), slaughter houses (1.6%; 17.7%), and swineries (7.4%; 9.5%), in air and surfaces, respectively. The Aspergillus sections more prevalent in the air and surfaces of all the assessed settings were the Nigri section (47.46%; 44.71%, respectively), followed by Fumigati (22.28%; 27.97%, respectively) and Flavi (10.78%; 11.45%, respectively) sections. Aspergillus section Fumigati was successfully amplified by qPCR in 18 sampling sites where the presence of this fungal species had not been identified by conventional methods. It should be highlighted that the occupational exposure burden is due not only to the Aspergillus load, but also to the toxigenic potential of this genus. Based on our results, a protocol relied in the application of conventional and molecular methods in parallel is herein suggested aimed at allowing a better risk characterization and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Tiago Faria
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- c Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Lisbon , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- d Instituto de Medicina Molecular , Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa , Lisboa , Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- a GIAS, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa , Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
- b Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública , Universidade Nova de Lisboa , Lisbon , Portugal
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Degois J, Clerc F, Simon X, Bontemps C, Leblond P, Duquenne P. First Metagenomic Survey of the Microbial Diversity in Bioaerosols Emitted in Waste Sorting Plants. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 61:1076-1086. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Viegas C, Faria T, de Oliveira AC, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Quintal-Gomes A, Twarużek M, Kosicki R, Soszczyńska E, Viegas S. A new approach to assess occupational exposure to airborne fungal contamination and mycotoxins of forklift drivers in waste sorting facilities. Mycotoxin Res 2017; 33:285-295. [DOI: 10.1007/s12550-017-0288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Madsen AM, Alwan T, Ørberg A, Uhrbrand K, Jørgensen MB. Waste Workers’ Exposure to Airborne Fungal and Bacterial Species in the Truck Cab and During Waste Collection. ANNALS OF OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE 2016; 60:651-68. [PMID: 27098185 PMCID: PMC4915520 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/mew021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A large number of people work with garbage collection, and exposure to microorganisms is considered an occupational health problem. However, knowledge on microbial exposure at species level is limited. The aim of the study was to achieve knowledge on waste collectors’ exposure to airborne inhalable fungal and bacterial species during waste collection with focus on the transport of airborne microorganisms into the truck cab. Airborne microorganisms were collected with samplers mounted in the truck cab, on the workers’ clothes, and outdoors. Fungal and bacterial species were quantified and identified. The study showed that the workers were exposed to between 112 and 4.8×104 bacteria m−3 air and 326 and 4.6×104 fungi m−3 air. The personal exposures to bacteria and fungi were significantly higher than the concentrations measured in the truck cabs and in the outdoor references. On average, the fungal and bacterial concentrations in truck cabs were 111 and 7.7 times higher than outdoor reference measurements. In total, 23 fungal and 38 bacterial species were found and identified. Most fungal species belonged to the genus Penicillium and in total 11 Penicillium species were found. Identical fungal species were often found both in a personal sample and in the same person’s truck cab, but concentrations were on average 27 times higher in personal samples. Concentrations of fungal and bacterial species found only in the personal samples were lower than concentrations of species also found in truck cabs. Skin-related bacteria constituted a large fraction of bacterial isolates found in personal and truck cab samples. In total, six Staphylococcus species were found. In outdoor samples, no skin-related bacteria were found. On average, concentrations of bacterial species found both in the truck cab and personal samples were 77 times higher in personal samples than in truck cab samples. In conclusion, high concentrations of fungi were found in truck cabs, but the highest concentrations were found in personal samples; fungal and bacterial species found in high concentrations in personal samples were also found in truck cabs, but in lower concentrations indicating that both fungi and bacteria are transported by the workers into the truck cab, and are subsequently aerosolized in the truck cab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Taif Alwan
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anders Ørberg
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
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Viegas C, Faria T, dos Santos M, Carolino E, Gomes AQ, Sabino R, Viegas S. Fungal burden in waste industry: an occupational risk to be solved. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2015; 187:199. [PMID: 25796518 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-4412-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
High loads of fungi have been reported in different types of waste management plants. This study intends to assess fungal contamination in one waste-sorting plant before and after cleaning procedures in order to analyze their effectiveness. Air samples of 50 L were collected through an impaction method, while surface samples, taken at the same time, were collected by the swabbing method and subject to further macro- and microscopic observations. In addition, we collected air samples of 250 L using the impinger Coriolis μ air sampler (Bertin Technologies) at 300 L/min airflow rate in order to perform real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of genes from specific fungal species, namely Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus flavus complexes, as well as Stachybotrys chartarum species. Fungal quantification in the air ranged from 180 to 5,280 CFU m(-3) before cleaning and from 220 to 2,460 CFU m(-3) after cleaning procedures. Surfaces presented results that ranged from 29×10(4) to 109×10(4) CFU m(-2) before cleaning and from 11×10(4) to 89×10(4) CFU m(-2) after cleaning. Statistically significant differences regarding fungal load were not detected between before and after cleaning procedures. Toxigenic strains from A. flavus complex and S. chartarum were not detected by qPCR. Conversely, the A. fumigatus species was successfully detected by qPCR and interestingly it was amplified in two samples where no detection by conventional methods was observed. Overall, these results reveal the inefficacy of the cleaning procedures and that it is important to determine fungal burden in order to carry out risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- Environment and Health RG, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal,
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Pinto MJDV, Veiga JM, Fernandes P, Ramos C, Gonçalves S, Velho MMLV, Guerreiro JS. Airborne microorganisms associated with packaging glass sorting facilities. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2015; 78:685-696. [PMID: 26039746 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2015.1021942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, efforts have been undertaken to reduce the volume of residual waste through sorting and recycling. The waste management and recycling sector is thriving and the number of workers there is increasing. In this context, prior knowledge of the risks to which workers may be exposed is of crucial importance, and preventive measures need to be put in place to accurately identify and quantify those risks. This study aimed to assess occupational risk of exposure to biological agents (viable bacteria and fungi) in a Portuguese waste packaging glass sorting plant. Air samples were collected from selected locations in waste sorting cabins (critical area, CA), administrative services (noncritical area, NCA) and outdoors (control point, CP). Duplicate air samples were collected through an impaction method. The investigation was carried out over an 8-mo period with two collection periods, autumn/winter (AW) and spring/summer (SS), in order to access the influence of any seasonal variation. In the 36 air samples collected, 319 bacterial and 196 mold identifications were performed. Air samples revealed existence of high environmental contamination by bacteria (1.6 × 10(4) colony forming units [cfu]/m(3)) and fungi (1.5 × 10(4) cfu/m(3)). The predominant bacterial genus was Staphylococcus (coagulase negative) with values ranging from 29.6 to 60% of the total count of bacteria. Genera Bacillus, Micrococcus, and Staphylococcus (coagulase negative) were also present at all sampling sites, regardless of the season. However, the counts of these genera, in the CA, were higher in warmer seasons. The genus Penicillium was the most frequent genus present with an approximate value of 95% of total fungal count in the CA. Seasonal variation was a significant factor for total bacteria and fungi, except for NCA versus CP. Overall, the highest levels of bacterial and fungal species (10(4) cfu/m(3)) were found in the waste sorting cabin (CA). These results highlight the importance of proper design and risk evaluation when planning a new waste facility, such that working conditions minimize proliferation of biological agents in the workplace.
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Viegas C, Malta-Vacas J, Sabino R, Viegas S, Veríssimo C. Accessing indoor fungal contamination using conventional and molecular methods in Portuguese poultries. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2014; 186:1951-1959. [PMID: 24214296 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-013-3509-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies showed increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms and adverse changes in pulmonary function parameters in poultry workers, corroborating the increased exposure to risk factors, such as fungal load and their metabolites. This study aimed to determine the occupational exposure threat due to fungal contamination caused by the toxigenic isolates belonging to the complex of the species of Aspergillus flavus and also isolates from Aspergillus fumigatus species complex. The study was carried out in seven Portuguese poultries, using cultural and molecular methodologies. For conventional/cultural methods, air, surfaces, and litter samples were collected by impaction method using the Millipore Air Sampler. For the molecular analysis, air samples were collected by impinger method using the Coriolis μ air sampler. After DNA extraction, samples were analyzed by real-time PCR using specific primers and probes for toxigenic strains of the Aspergillus flavus complex and for detection of isolates from Aspergillus fumigatus complex. Through conventional methods, and among the Aspergillus genus, different prevalences were detected regarding the presence of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus species complexes, namely: 74.5 versus 1.0 % in the air samples, 24.0 versus 16.0 % in the surfaces, 0 versus 32.6 % in new litter, and 9.9 versus 15.9 % in used litter. Through molecular biology, we were able to detect the presence of aflatoxigenic strains in pavilions in which Aspergillus flavus did not grow in culture. Aspergillus fumigatus was only found in one indoor air sample by conventional methods. Using molecular methodologies, however, Aspergillus fumigatus complex was detected in seven indoor samples from three different poultry units. The characterization of fungal contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus raises the concern of occupational threat not only due to the detected fungal load but also because of the toxigenic potential of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Viegas
- Environmental Health RG, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096, Lisbon, Portugal,
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Viegas C, Gomes AQ, Abegão J, Sabino R, Graça T, Viegas S. Assessment of fungal contamination in waste sorting and incineration-case study in Portugal. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:57-68. [PMID: 24555647 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.865583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Organic waste is a rich substrate for microbial growth, and because of that, workers from waste industry are at higher risk of exposure to bioaerosols. This study aimed to assess fungal contamination in two plants handling solid waste management. Air samples from the two plants were collected through an impaction method. Surface samples were also collected by swabbing surfaces of the same indoor sites. All collected samples were incubated at 27°C for 5 to 7 d. After lab processing and incubation of collected samples, quantitative and qualitative results were obtained with identification of the isolated fungal species. Air samples were also subjected to molecular methods by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) using an impinger method to measure DNA of Aspergillus flavus complex and Stachybotrys chartarum. Assessment of particulate matter (PM) was also conducted with portable direct-reading equipment. Particles concentration measurement was performed at five different sizes (PM0.5; PM1; PM2.5; PM5; PM10). With respect to the waste sorting plant, three species more frequently isolated in air and surfaces were A. niger (73.9%; 66.1%), A. fumigatus (16%; 13.8%), and A. flavus (8.7%; 14.2%). In the incineration plant, the most prevalent species detected in air samples were Penicillium sp. (62.9%), A. fumigatus (18%), and A. flavus (6%), while the most frequently isolated in surface samples were Penicillium sp. (57.5%), A. fumigatus (22.3%) and A. niger (12.8%). Stachybotrys chartarum and other toxinogenic strains from A. flavus complex were not detected. The most common PM sizes obtained were the PM10 and PM5 (inhalable fraction). Since waste is the main internal fungal source in the analyzed settings, preventive and protective measures need to be maintained to avoid worker exposure to fungi and their metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- a Environmental Health RG, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnique Institute of Lisbon , Lisbon , Portugal
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Viegas C, Faria T, Gomes AQ, Sabino R, Seco A, Viegas S. Fungal contamination in two Portuguese wastewater treatment plants. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:90-102. [PMID: 24555650 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.866925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The presence of filamentous fungi was detected in wastewater and air collected at wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) from several European countries. The aim of the present study was to assess fungal contamination in two WWTP operating in Lisbon. In addition, particulate matter (PM) contamination data was analyzed. To apply conventional methods, air samples from the two plants were collected through impaction using an air sampler with a velocity air rate of 140 L/min. Surfaces samples were collected by swabbing the surfaces of the same indoor sites. All collected samples were incubated at 27°C for 5 to 7 d. After lab processing and incubation of collected samples, quantitative and qualitative results were obtained with identification of the isolated fungal species. For molecular methods, air samples of 250 L were also collected using the impinger method at 300 L/min airflow rate. Samples were collected into 10 ml sterile phosphate-buffered saline with 0.05% Triton X-100, and the collection liquid was subsequently used for DNA extraction. Molecular identification of Aspergillus fumigatus and Stachybotrys chartarum was achieved by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the Rotor-Gene 6000 qPCR Detection System (Corbett). Assessment of PM was also conducted with portable direct-reading equipment (Lighthouse, model 3016 IAQ). Particles concentration measurement was performed at five different sizes: PM0.5, PM1, PM2.5, PM5, and PM10. Sixteen different fungal species were detected in indoor air in a total of 5400 isolates in both plants. Penicillium sp. was the most frequently isolated fungal genus (58.9%), followed by Aspergillus sp. (21.2%) and Acremonium sp. (8.2%), in the total underground area. In a partially underground plant, Penicillium sp. (39.5%) was also the most frequently isolated, also followed by Aspergillus sp. (38.7%) and Acremonium sp. (9.7%). Using RT-PCR, only A. fumigatus was detected in air samples collected, and only from partial underground plant. Stachybotrys chartarum was not detected in any of the samples analyzed. The distribution of particle sizes showed the same tendency in both plants; however, the partially underground plant presented higher levels of contamination, except for PM2.5. Fungal contamination assessment is crucial to evaluating the potential health risks to exposed workers in these settings. In order to achieve an evaluation of potential health risks to exposed workers, it is essential to combine conventional and molecular methods for fungal detection. Protective measures to minimize worker exposure to fungi need to be adopted since wastewater is the predominant internal fungal source in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Viegas
- a Environmental Health RG, Lisbon School of Health Technology, Polytechnique Institute of Lisbon , Lisbon , Portugal
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