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Hansen SSK, Krautz R, Rago D, Havelund J, Stigliani A, Færgeman NJ, Prézelin A, Rivière J, Couturier-Tarrade A, Akimov V, Blagoev B, Elfving B, Neess D, Vogel U, Khodosevich K, Hougaard KS, Sandelin A. Pulmonary maternal immune activation does not cross the placenta but leads to fetal metabolic adaptation. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4711. [PMID: 38830841 PMCID: PMC11148039 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48492-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The fetal development of organs and functions is vulnerable to perturbation by maternal inflammation which may increase susceptibility to disorders after birth. Because it is not well understood how the placenta and fetus respond to acute lung- inflammation, we characterize the response to maternal pulmonary lipopolysaccharide exposure across 24 h in maternal and fetal organs using multi-omics, imaging and integrative analyses. Unlike maternal organs, which mount strong inflammatory immune responses, the placenta upregulates immuno-modulatory genes, in particular the IL-6 signaling suppressor Socs3. Similarly, we observe no immune response in the fetal liver, which instead displays metabolic changes, including increases in lipids containing docosahexaenoic acid, crucial for fetal brain development. The maternal liver and plasma display similar metabolic alterations, potentially increasing bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid for the mother and fetus. Thus, our integrated temporal analysis shows that systemic inflammation in the mother leads to a metabolic perturbation in the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Schmidt Kjølner Hansen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Robert Krautz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daria Rago
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Havelund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Arnaud Stigliani
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nils J Færgeman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Audrey Prézelin
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Julie Rivière
- Paris-Saclay University, INRAE, AgroParisTech, GABI, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Paris-Saclay University, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Anne Couturier-Tarrade
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Vyacheslav Akimov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Blagoy Blagoev
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Betina Elfving
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ditte Neess
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ulla Vogel
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Khodosevich
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Albin Sandelin
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Yang S, Yin Y, Zhang W, Li H, Wang X, Chen R. Advances in understanding bioaerosol release characteristics and potential hazards during aerobic composting. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171796. [PMID: 38513848 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Bioaerosol emissions and their associated risks are attracting increasing attention. Bioaerosols are generated during the pretreatment, fermentation, and screening of mature compost when processing various types of solid waste at composting plants (e.g., municipal sludge and animal manure). In this review, we summarize research into bioaerosols at different types of composting plants by focusing on the methods used for sampling bioaerosols, stages when emissions potentially occur, major components of bioaerosols, survival and diffusion factors, and possible control strategies. The six-stage Andersen impactor is the main method used for sampling bioaerosols in composting plants. In addition, different composting management methods mainly affect bioaerosol emissions from composting plants. Studies of the components of bioaerosols produced by composting plants mainly focused on bacteria and fungi, whereas few considered others such as endotoxin. The survival and diffusion of bioaerosols are influenced by seasonal effects due to changes in environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity. Finally, three potential strategies have been proposed for controlling bioaerosols in composting plants. Improved policies are required for regulating bioaerosol emissions, as well as bioaerosol concentration diffusion models and measures to protect human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Yang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Yanan Yin
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China.
| | - Wenrong Zhang
- School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Haichao Li
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Lennart Hjelms väg 9, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Xiaochang Wang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
| | - Rong Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China; International S&T Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, MOE, School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, No. 13 Yanta Road, Xi'an 710055, PR China
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Lindholm M, Reiman A, Tappura S. The evolution of new and emerging occupational health and safety risks: A qualitative review. Work 2024:WOR230005. [PMID: 38701168 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230005] [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: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work itself and occupational health and safety (OHS) have evolved through industrial revolutions and will also continue to evolve in the future. OBJECTIVE The aim of this qualitative literature review was to examine how the scientific discussion on new and emerging risks (NERs) related to OHS has evolved in recent decades in developed and newly industrialized countries. METHODS A search of the Scopus database yielded 34 articles published before 2000 and from 2020 onwards. RESULTS A review of the articles identified NERs themes related to changes in work patterns, changing workforce and growth in some sectors, climate change, new materials or increased use of materials, new technology and technological development, and viruses. In both article collection periods, possible adverse OHS effects discussed included musculoskeletal disorders, exposure to toxic agents, chemical compounds and hazardous materials, increased stress, increased likelihood of errors and accidents, psychosocial problems, mental fatigue, and increases in work-related illnesses and accidents. CONCLUSIONS The articles published during both periods discussed similar themes. The main differences were regarding specific time-related cases, such as climate change and COVID-19. Based on the findings of this review, points to consider in OHS management and future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sari Tappura
- Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes), Finland
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Marchand G, Wingert L, Viegas C, Caetano L, Viegas S, Twaruzek M, Lacombe N, Lanoie D, Valois I, Gouin F, Soszczyńska E, Kosicki R, Dias M, Debia M. Assessment of waste workers occupational risk to microbial agents and cytotoxic effects of mixed contaminants present in the air of waste truck cabin and ventilation filters. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2024; 74:145-162. [PMID: 38166349 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2023.2299424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Workers in the waste-processing industry are potentially exposed to high concentrations of biological contaminants, leading to respiratory and digestive problems and skin irritations. However, few data on the exposure of waste collection truck (WCT) drivers are available. The goal was to document the microbial risk of the waste collection truck (WCT) workers while in the vehicle cab. Long-period sampling using the truck air filters (CAF) and short time ambient air sampling in the cab were used. The potential release of microbial particles from CAFs was also investigated since it could contribute to the microbial load of the cabin air. A combination of analytical methods also helped assess the complex mixture of the biological agents. Aspergillus sections Fumigati and Flavi, E. coli, Enterobacter spp. and Legionella spp. were detected in the CAF of trucks collecting three types of waste. The highest levels of bacteria and fungi were found in the CAF from organic WCT. The highest endotoxin concentrations in CAF were 300 EU/cm2. Most of the CAF showed cytotoxic effects on both lung cells and hepatocytes. Only one mycotoxin was detected in a CAF. The maximal concentrations in the ambient WCT air varied according to the type of waste collected. The highest proportion (84%) of the air samples without cytotoxic effects on the lungs cells was for the recyclable material WCTs. The results revealed the potential microbial risk to workers from a complex mixture of bio-contaminants in the cabs of vehicles collecting all types of waste. The sustained cytotoxic effect indicates the potential adverse health-related impact of mixed contaminants (biological and non-biological) for the workers. Overall, this study highlights the benefits of using complementary sampling strategy and combined analytical methods for a the assessment of the microbial risk in work environments and the need to implement protective measures for the workers.Implications: Exposure to microbial agents is a well-known occupational hazard in the waste management sector. No previous study had evaluated the cytotoxicity of ambient air and ventilation filters to document worker exposure to a combination of contaminants during waste collection. This research confirms the usefulness of ventilation filters for long-term characterization of exposure to infectious agents, azole-resistant fungi, coliform bacteria and mycotoxin. Overall, this study highlights the importance of using several sampling and analysis methods for a comprehensive assessment of microbial risk in work environments, as well as the need to implement appropriate protective measures for collection workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genevieve Marchand
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Loïc Wingert
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Carla Viegas
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Caetano
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twaruzek
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Nancy Lacombe
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Delphine Lanoie
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Valois
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francois Gouin
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ewelina Soszczyńska
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Robert Kosicki
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Kazimierz Wielki University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, In-stituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed. ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maximilien Debia
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Viegas C, Eriksen E, Gomes B, Dias M, Cervantes R, Pena P, Carolino E, Twarużek M, Caetano LA, Viegas S, Graff P, Afanou AK, Straumfors A. Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1297725. [PMID: 38179569 PMCID: PMC10766354 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1297725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting). Methods This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate on potential exposure related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). Skin-biota samples (eSwabs) were performed on workers and controls to identify other exposure routes. Results In personal filter samples the guidelines in one automated industry surpassed the guidelines for fungi. Seasonal influence on viable microbial contamination including fungi with reduced susceptibility to the tested azoles was observed, besides the observed reduced susceptibility of pathogens of critical priority (Mucorales and Fusarium sp.). Aspergillus sections with potential toxigenic effect and with clinical relevance were also detected in all the sampling methods. Discussion The results regarding skin-biota in both controls´ and workers´ hands claim attention for the possible exposure due to hand to face/mouth contact. This study allowed concluding that working in automated and manual waste sorting plants imply high exposure to microbial agents.
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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, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elke Eriksen
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Bianca Gomes
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- CE3C – Center for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Renata Cervantes
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pedro Pena
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Magdalena Twarużek
- Kazimierz Wielki University, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Toxicology, Chodkiewicza, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC – Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, 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, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Anne Straumfors
- National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
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Pileco Cappelleti C, Santos Silva KT, Rodrigues-Conrad K, Grams KC, Kottwitz da Silva I, Frielink AP, da Rocha Abdallah S, de Fátima Colet C, Woutheres Bortolotto J, Bonfanti-Azzolin G, Migliorini Parisi M. Cytotoxic and oxidative changes in individuals occupationally exposed to recyclable municipal solid waste. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2023; 86:898-908. [PMID: 37691320 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2023.2256782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
aste collectors are exposed to a wide variety of bacteria, endotoxins, fungi, allergens, particulate matter, irritating inhalants, and vehicle exhaust, making them more prone to development of chronic diseases. Although several studies described the impact of occupational exposure on the overall health of waste collectors, few investigations were conducted regarding cellular and molecular changes that may occur due to exposure. The aim of this study was to assess biomarkers of oxidative stress such as levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipoperoxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), apoptosis, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity and mitochondrial function (MitoTrackerTM Green FM and MitoTrackerTM Red) using the peripheral blood from individuals occupationally exposed to recyclable solid waste in Southern Brazil. The study included 30 waste collectors and 30 control individuals, who did not perform activities with recognized exposure to biological and chemical substances. Waste collectors were found to exhibit in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) higher rates of apoptosis, increased production of ROS, and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), associated with decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and elevated activity of BChE in plasma. Therefore, evidence indicates that cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory responses may be involved in the multiplicity of adverse health outcomes related to contaminant exposure in waste collectors. It is thus necessary to implement and/or improve occupational health programs aimed at workers as well as mandatory inspections for the use of personal protective equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Pileco Cappelleti
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Karen Taiane Santos Silva
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Kelly Rodrigues-Conrad
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Kendra Caroline Grams
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Isadora Kottwitz da Silva
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Frielink
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Suelen da Rocha Abdallah
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Christiane de Fátima Colet
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental and Sustainability Systems, Regional University of the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Ijuí, Brazil
| | - Josiane Woutheres Bortolotto
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Bonfanti-Azzolin
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
| | - Mariana Migliorini Parisi
- Group of Integral Attention to Health, Center for Health and Rural Sciences, University of Cruz Alta, Cruz Alta, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Integral Attention to Health (PPGAIS), Unicruz, Unijuí, Uri Erechim, Cruz Alta, Brazil
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7
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Descatha A, Hamzaoui H, Takala J, Oppliger A. A Systematized Overview of Published Reviews on Biological Hazards, Occupational Health, and Safety. Saf Health Work 2023; 14:347-357. [PMID: 38187198 PMCID: PMC10770102 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic turned biological hazards in the working environment into a global concern. This systematized review of published reviews aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the specific jobs and categories of workers exposed to biological hazards with the related prevention. Methods We extracted reviews published in English and French in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. Two authors, working independently, subsequently screened the potentially relevant titles and abstracts recovered (step 1) and then examined relevant full texts (step 2). Disagreements were resolved by consensus. We built tables summarizing populations of exposed workers, types of hazards, types of outcomes (types of health issues, means of prevention), and routes of transmission. Results Of 1426 studies initially identified, 79 studies by authors from every continent were selected, mostly published after 2010 (n = 63, 79.7%). About half of the reviews dealt with infectious hazards alone (n = 38, 48.1%). The industrial sectors identified involved healthcare alone (n = 16), laboratories (n = 10), agriculture (including the animal, vegetable, and grain sectors, n = 32), waste (n = 10), in addition of 11 studies without specific sectors. The results also highlighted a range of hazards (infectious and non-infectious agents, endotoxins, bioaerosols, organic dust, and emerging agents). Conclusion This systematized overview allowed to list the populations of workers exposed to biological hazards and underlined how prevention measures in the healthcare and laboratory sectors were usually well defined and controlled, although this was not the case in the agriculture and waste sectors. Further studies are necessary to quantify these risks and implement prevention measures that can be applied in every country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis Descatha
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) – UMR_S 1085, IRSET-ESTER, SFR ICAT, CAPTV CDC, Angers, France
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, USA
| | - Halim Hamzaoui
- Labour Administration, Inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Branch- International Labour Organization, HQ, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jukka Takala
- Faculty of Social Sciences/Health Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Oppliger
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Unisanté, University of Lausanne, Epalinges-Lausanne, Switzerland
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8
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Eriksen E, Afanou AK, Straumfors A, Graff P. Bioaerosol-induced in vitro activation of toll-like receptors and inflammatory biomarker expression in waste workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:985-998. [PMID: 37243736 PMCID: PMC10361871 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01984-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Occupational exposure to bioaerosols during waste handling remains a health concern for exposed workers. However, exposure-related health effects and underlying immunological mechanisms are still poorly described. METHODS The present study assessed the inflammatory potential of work-air samples (n = 56) in vitro and investigated biomarker expression in exposed workers (n = 69) compared to unexposed controls (n = 25). These quantitative results were compared to self-reported health conditions. RESULTS Personal air samples provoked an activation of TLR2 and TLR4 HEK reporter cells in one-third of all samples, indicating that the work environment contained ligands capable of inducing an immune response in vitro. Monocyte levels, as well as plasma biomarker levels, such as IL-1Ra, IL-18 and TNFα were significantly higher in exposed workers, compared to the control group when confounding factors such as BMI, sex, age and smoking habits were accounted for. Furthermore, a significant exposure-related increase in midweek IL-8 levels was measured among exposed workers. Tendencies of increased prevalence of health effects of the respiratory tract were identified in exposed workers. CONCLUSION Inhalable dust provoked TLR activation in vitro, indicating that an exposure-related immune response may be expected in susceptible workers. However, despite significant differences in inflammatory plasma biomarker levels between exposed and unexposed workers, prevalence of self-reported health effects did not differ between the groups. This may be due to the healthy worker effect, or other factors such as adequate use of personal protective respiratory devices or adaptation to the work environment with reduced activation of the immune system.
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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 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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Hansen KK, Schlünssen V, Broberg K, Østergaard K, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM, Kolstad HA. Exposure levels of dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms in the Danish recycling industry. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:816-830. [PMID: 37191914 PMCID: PMC10410489 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad025] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recycling of domestic waste and a number of employees in the recycling industry is expected to increase. This study aims to quantify current exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and to identify determinants of exposure among recycling workers. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 170 full-shift measurements from 88 production workers and 14 administrative workers from 12 recycling companies in Denmark. The companies recycle domestic waste (sorting, shredding, and extracting materials from waste). We collected inhalable dust with personal samplers that were analysed for endotoxin (n = 170) and microorganisms (n = 101). Exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, and microorganisms and potential determinants of exposure were explored by mixed-effects models. RESULTS The production workers were 7-fold or higher exposed to inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Among production workers recycling domestic waste, the geometric mean exposure level was 0.6 mg/m3 for inhalable dust, 10.7 endotoxin unit (EU)/m3 for endotoxin, 1.6 × 104 colony forming units (CFU)/m³ of bacteria, 4.4 × 104 CFU/m³ of fungi (25 °C), and 1.0 × 103 CFU/m³ of fungi (37 °C). Workers handling paper or cardboard had higher exposure levels than workers handling other waste fractions. The temperature did not affect exposure levels, although there was a tendency toward increased exposure to bacteria and fungi with higher temperatures. For inhalable dust and endotoxin, exposure levels during outdoor work were low compared to indoor work. For bacteria and fungi, indoor ventilation decreased exposure. The work task, waste fraction, temperature, location, mechanical ventilation, and the company size explained around half of the variance of levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi. CONCLUSION The production workers of the Danish recycling industry participating in this study had higher exposure levels of inhalable dust, endotoxin, bacteria, and fungi than the administrative workers. Exposure levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin among recycling workers in Denmark were generally below established or suggested occupational exposure limits (OEL). However, 43% to 58% of the individual measurements of bacteria and fungi were above the suggested OEL. The waste fraction was the most influential determinant for exposure, and the highest exposure levels were seen during handling paper or cardboard. Future studies should examine the relationship between exposure levels and health effects among workers recycling domestic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline Kærgaard Hansen
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Vivi Schlünssen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Environment Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Karin Broberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kirsten Østergaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Environment Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre of the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre of the Working Environment, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Henrik Albert Kolstad
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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10
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Eriksen E, Madsen AM, Afanou AK, Straumfors A, Eiler A, Graff P. Occupational exposure to inhalable pathogenic microorganisms in waste sorting. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 253:114240. [PMID: 37633050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed microorganisms in personal inhalable work air samples aiming to identify potential human pathogens, and correlate exposure to adverse health outcomes in waste workers. Full-shift personal exposure was measured in six different waste sorting plants. Microbial concentrations in inhalable air samples were analysed using MALDI-TOF MS for cultivable, and next generation sequencing (NGS) for non-cultivable microorganisms. Concentrations of bacterial and fungal CFUs varied substantially within and between waste sorting plants, ranging from no identifiable organisms to a maximum concentration in the order of 105 CFU/m3. Bacillus and Staphylococcus were among the most abundant bacterial genera, whilst fungal genera were dominated by Aspergillus and Penicillium. Approximately 15% of all identified species were human pathogens classified in risk group 2, whereas 7% belonged to risk group 1. Furthermore, significant correlations between concentrations of fungi in risk group 1 and self-reported adverse symptoms, such as wheezing were identified in exposed workers. The combination of culture-based methods and NGS facilitated the investigation of infectious microbial species with potential pathophysiological properties as well as non-infectious biological agents in inhalable work air samples and thereby contributed to the risk assessment of occupational exposure in waste sorting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Eriksen
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway; Section for Aquatic Biology and Toxicology, Department of Biosciences, Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Center for Work Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anani Komlavi Afanou
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Straumfors
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alexander Eiler
- Section for Aquatic Biology and Toxicology, Department of Biosciences, Centre for Biogeochemistry in the Anthropocene, University of Oslo, 0316, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Graff
- STAMI, National Institute of Occupational Health, Gydas Vei 8, 0363, Oslo, Norway
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11
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Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW, Carøe TK, Madsen AM. Health symptoms, inflammation, and bioaerosol exposure in workers at biowaste pretreatment plants. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 167:173-182. [PMID: 37269581 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Biowaste pretreatment plants have been built within the last years in Denmark in order to recycle pre-sorted biowaste from houses, restaurants, and industry. We investigated the association between exposure and health at six biowaste pretreatment plants (visited twice) across Denmark. We measured the personal bioaerosol exposure, took blood samples, and administered a questionnaire. Thirty-one persons participated, 17 of them twice, resulting in 45 bioaerosol samples, 40 blood samples, and questionnaire answers from 21 persons. We measured exposure to bacteria, fungi, dust, and endotoxin, the total inflammatory potential of the exposures, and serum levels of the inflammatory markers serum amyloid A (SAA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and human club cell protein (CC16). Higher exposures to fungi and endotoxin were found for workers with tasks inside the production area compared to workers with main tasks in the office area. A positive association was found between the concentration of anaerobic bacteria and hsCRP and SAA, whereas bacteria and endotoxin were inversely associated with hsCRP and SAA. A positive association between hsCRP and the fungal species Penicillium digitatum and P. camemberti were found, whereas an inverse association between hsCRP and Aspergillus niger and P. italicum were found. Staff with tasks inside the production area reported more symptoms of the nose than those working in the office area. To conclude, our results indicate that workers with tasks inside the production area are exposed to elevated levels of bioaerosols, and that this may affect workers' health negatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Tanja K Carøe
- Department of Occupational and Social Medicine, Holbæk Hospital, Smedelundsgade 60, 4300 Holbæk, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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12
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Kang X, Lü F, Wang Y, Duan H, Zhang H, He P. Metagenomic analysis of microbiological risk in bioaerosols during biowaste valorization using Musca domestica. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 320:121118. [PMID: 36681377 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bioconversion using insects has gradually become a promising technology for biowaste management and protein production. However, knowledge about microbiological risk of insect related bioaerosols is sparse and conventional methods failed to provide higher resolved information of environmental microbe. In this study, a metagenomic analysis including microorganisms, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence factor genes (VFGs), mobile gene elements (MGEs), and endotoxin distribution in bioaerosols during biowaste conversion via Musca domestica revealed that bioaerosols in Fly rearing room possess the highest ARGs abundances and MGEs diversity. Through a metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs)-based pipeline, compelling evidence of ARGs/VFGs host assignment and ARG-VFG co-occurrence pattern were provided from metagenomic perspective. Bioaerosols in Bioconversion and Maggot separation zone were identified to own high density of MAGs carrying both ARGs and VFGs. Bacteria in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Firmicutes phyla were predominate hosts of ARGs and VFGs. Multidrug-Motility, Multidrug-Adherence, and Beta lactam-Motility pairs were the most common ARG-VFG co-occurrence pattern in this study. Results obtained are of great significance for microbiological risk assessment during housefly biowaste conversion process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Kang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Fan Lü
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Multi-source Solid Wastes Co-processing and Energy Utilization, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haowen Duan
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Multi-source Solid Wastes Co-processing and Energy Utilization, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Pinjing He
- Institute of Waste Treatment & Reclamation, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Multi-source Solid Wastes Co-processing and Energy Utilization, Shanghai 200092, China.
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13
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Divergent TLR2 and TLR4 Activation by Fungal Spores and Species Diversity in Dust from Waste Sorting Plants. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0173422. [PMID: 36856441 PMCID: PMC10056968 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01734-22] [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: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This manuscript presents the results of an exploratory study on the relationships between NF-κB response through Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation by dust characterized by fungal spore concentrations and species diversity. Personal total dust samples were collected from Norwegian waste sorting plants and then characterized for fungal spores and fungal species diversity, as well as for other bioaerosol components, including endotoxins and actinobacteria. The ability of the dust to induce an NF-κB response by activating TLR2 and TLR4 in vitro was evaluated, as well as the relationship between such responses and quantifiable bioaerosol components. The average concentrations of bioaerosols were 7.23 mg total dust m-3, 4.49 × 105 fungal spores m-3, 814 endotoxin units m-3, and 0.6 × 105 actinobacteria m-3. The mean diversity measurements were 326, 0.59, and 3.39 for fungal richness, evenness, and Shannon index, respectively. Overall, fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to the Ascomycota phylum were most abundant (55%), followed by Basidiomycota (33%) and Mucoromycota (3%). All samples induced significant NF-κB responses through TLR2 and TLR4 activation. While fungal spore levels were positively associated with TLR2 and TLR4 activation, there was a trend that fungal species richness was negatively associated with the activation of these receptors. This observation supports the existence of divergent immunological response relationships between TLR activation and fungal spore levels on one hand and between TLR activation and fungal species diversity on the other. Such relationships seem to be described for the first time for dust from waste facilities. IMPORTANCE This manuscript presents results on multifactorial characterization of bioaerosol exposure in Norwegian waste sorting plants and the potential of such airborne dust to induce NF-κB reactions through TLR2 and TLR4 activations in an in vitro reporter cell model system. Our data revealed that increasing fungal spore levels in the dust is associated with increased activation of TLR2 and TLR4, whereas increasing fungal OTU richness is associated with decreasing activation of these receptors. The NF-κB-induced responses by the collected dust represent, therefore, effective measures of potential key immunological effects induced by a complex mixture of hazardous components, including characterized factors such as endotoxins, fungal spores, bacteria, and many other uncharacterized components. The key immunological events reported here are suggested as holistic alternatives to today's bioaerosol exposure characterization approaches for epidemiological studies in the future.
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14
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Madsen AM, Uhrbrand K, Kofoed VC, Fischer TK, Frederiksen MW. A cohort study of wastewater treatment plant workers: Association between levels of biomarkers of systemic inflammation and exposure to bacteria and fungi, and endotoxin as measured using two methods. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 231:119625. [PMID: 36680819 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Work in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can be associated with exposure to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin from the working environment. The aim of this study was to obtain knowledge about whether serum levels of the markers of systemic inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA), are associated with personal exposure to endotoxin, measured using the Limulus (endotoxinLimulus) and the rFC (endotoxinrFC) assays, as well as bacteria and fungi in a cohort of WWTP workers. Exposure and blood samples were collected for 11 workers over one year. Exposure to endotoxinLimulus-day and endotoxinrFC-day correlated significantly (r = 0.80, p<0.0001, n = 104), but endotoxinLimulus-day was 4.4 (Geometric mean (GM) value) times higher than endotoxinrFC-day (p<0.0001). The endotoxinLimulus-day, endotoxinrFC-day, bacteria, and fungal exposure as well as serum levels of CRP-day (GM=1.4 mg/l) and SAA-day (GM=12 mg/l) differed between workers. Serum levels of SAAday correlated significantly with CRPday (r = 0.30, p = 0.0068). The serum levels of CRPday were associated significantly with exposure to endotoxinLimulus-day. Exposure, SAA and CRP data were also analyzed as av. of each season, and SAAseason was associated positively and significantly with endotoxinLimulus-season and endotoxinrFC-season and negatively with fungalseason exposure. In conclusion, CRPday was associated with the endotoxinLimulus-day and SAAseason with endotoxinLimulus-season and endotoxinrFC-season exposure. Thus, we hereby document that WWTP workers are exposed to airborne endotoxin which seems to have a negative impact on their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Katrine Uhrbrand
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Victor Carp Kofoed
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Dept of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, Denmark; Dept of Virus & Microbiological Special Diagnostics, Statens Serum Institut, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Degli Esposti A, Magrini C, Bonoli A. Door-to-door waste collection: A framework for the socio - Economic evaluation and ergonomics optimisation. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2023; 156:130-138. [PMID: 36462343 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2022.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Waste collection is the first step of waste management, and its characteristics impact workers' health and safety. Arising out of the challenge for waste collection operators to design sustainable systems of work, the authors review the literature on ergonomics and socio-economic sustainability and design a theoretical framework for assessing the sustainability of waste collection. The framework quantitatively assess the impact of the door-to-door collection system on the health and safety of the workers to provide indications to waste collection operators on how the load carried by workers can be minimised and the economic and social sustainability can be improved. As a case study, this paper investigates the musculoskeletal disorders derived from the manual material handling of waste containers affecting the workers in charge of door-to-door sorted collection of paper waste with the goal of optimizing the workers well-being and overall waste collection system performance The research study was conducted in collaboration with a company which operates in solid waste collection for Italian municipalities. For this purpose, the ergo-quality level of two paper waste collection systems is evaluated. For each system, ten scenarios of door-to-door paper waste collection are considered. The analysis is complemented by an economic analysis, which estimates the costs associated with the collection system under consideration, and a social life-cycle assessment. Results suggest that using 120-litres capacity bins would effectively improve ergonomics and optimise the costs of the investigated activity. More specifically, due to mechanised collection, the more limited number of lifting and carrying operations would expose the workers to lower ergonomic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Degli Esposti
- DICAM Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini, 28, 40131, Italy.
| | - Chiara Magrini
- DICAM Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini, 28, 40131, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bonoli
- DICAM Department of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Via Terracini, 28, 40131, Italy
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16
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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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Hung CS, Yiin LM, Yen CF, Hsieh CJ, Hsieh JG, Tseng CC. Status of resource recycling stations in Taiwan and recycling work-related health effects. Tzu Chi Med J 2022; 35:38-43. [PMID: 36866342 PMCID: PMC9972934 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_111_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Resource recycling has become an integral part of environmental protection efforts. At present, the development of Taiwan's resource recovery and related works are quite mature. However, laborers or volunteers working in resource recycling stations may be exposed to different types of hazards during the recycling process. These hazards can be divided into biological, chemical, and musculoskeletal problems. These hazards are usually related to the work environment and work habits; therefore, a related control strategy is needed. Tzu Chi's recycling business has been running for over 30 years. In addition to leading the trend of resource recycling in Taiwan, many elderly people have also participated in Tzu Chi recycling stations as volunteers. These older volunteers may be more sensitive to exposure to hazards, and thus the focus of this review is to illustrate the possible hazards and health impacts of resource recovery work and to recommend relevant interventions to improve occupational health during resource recovery work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Shan Hung
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan,Department of Aging and Community Health, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Lih-Ming Yiin
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Feng Yen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Hsieh
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Jyh-Gang Hsieh
- Department of Family Medicine, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chieh Tseng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan,Address for correspondence: Prof. Chun-Chieh Tseng, Department and Graduate Institute of Public Health, Tzu Chi University, 701, Zhongyang Road, Section 3, Hualien, Taiwan. E-mail:
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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.buildenv.2022.108862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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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19
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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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20
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Møller SA, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM. Work clothes as a vector for microorganisms: Accumulation, transport, and resuspension of microorganisms as demonstrated for waste collection workers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 161:107112. [PMID: 35091375 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Work clothes may act as a vector for the transport of microorganisms leading to second-hand exposure; however, this has not been studied in work environments. We investigated whether microorganisms accumulate on workers' clothes in environments with elevated microbial exposures, and whether they are transported with the clothes and subsequently resuspended to the air. To study this, we selected waste collection workers and potential transport of bacteria and fungi to waste truck cabs via clothes, and compared the microbial communities within truck cabs, in waste collection workers' personal exposure, and on clean T-shirts worn by the workers. Microbial communities were also investigated for the presence of potentially harmful microorganisms. Results showed that microorganisms accumulated in large quantities (GM = 3.69 × 105 CFU/m2/h for bacteria, GM = 8.29 × 104 CFU/m2/h for fungi) on workers' clothes. The concentrations and species composition of airborne fungi in the truck cabs correlated significantly with the accumulation and composition of fungi on clothes and correlated to concentrations (a trend) and species composition of their personal exposures. The same patterns were not found for bacteria, indicating that work clothes to a lesser degree act as a vector for bacteria under waste collection workers' working conditions compared to fungi. Several pathogenic or allergenic microorganisms were present, e.g.: Klebsiella oxytoca, K. pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia rettgeri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aspergillus fumigatus, A. glaucus, A. nidulans, A. niger, and various Penicillium species. The potential 'take-home' exposure to these microorganisms are of most concern for immunocompromised or atopic individuals or people with open wounds or cuts. In conclusion, the large accumulation of microorganisms on workers' clothes combined with the overlap between fungal species for the different sample types, and the presence of pathogenic and allergenic microorganisms forms the basis for encouragement of good clothing hygiene during and post working hours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Agnete Møller
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- 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
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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21
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Madsen AM, Rasmussen PU, Frederiksen MW. Accumulation of microorganisms on work clothes of workers collecting different types of waste - A feasibility study. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2022; 139:250-257. [PMID: 34979353 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.12.031] [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: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Electrostatic dust cloths have previously been used to study microorganisms in settled dust by placing the cloths horizontally on surfaces (called Electrostatic Dust Collectors, EDC). In this study, we investigate whether the same cloths, henceforth called 'E-Cloths', can be used to study accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin on workers' clothes. This was studied as current methods have limitations. It was examined for waste collection workers, as their work environment is associated with elevated exposure to microorganisms and endotoxin. Each worker received a kit with a T-shirt with an attached E-Cloth on the front, a instruction letter, and a questionnaire. Workers wore the T-shirts during the next two workdays. Unaffected by waste type collected, it was possible to measure the accumulation of bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin from the work environment on the E-Cloths. Geometric mean concentration of 9 × 106 CFU bacteria/m2, 1 × 107 CFU fungi/m2, and 4 × 104 endotoxin units/m2 were found. In total, 100 different bacterial and 25 fungal species were found. The genus Bacillus (with 18 species) and Brevibacterium aurantiacum were among the dominating bacteria. For fungi, Penicillium brevicompactum, P. commune, Penicillium italicum, and Aspergillus niger were most often found. Importantly, mainly environmental bacteria and fungi had accumulated on the E-Cloths and only few skin-related bacterial species were present, showing that accumulation had happened from the work exposure and not workers' skin. In conclusion, the T-shirts with an E-Cloth can be used as a self-administered method for measurement of accumulation of microorganisms and endotoxin from the work environment on waste collection workers' clothes.
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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.
| | - Pil Uthaug Rasmussen
- 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
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22
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Rasmussen PU, Phan HUT, Frederiksen MW, Madsen AM. A characterization of bioaerosols in biowaste pretreatment plants in relation to occupational health. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 131:237-248. [PMID: 34171828 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure to microorganisms can be associated with adverse health outcomes. In this study, we assessed exposure to bioaerosols in two biowaste pretreatment plants in Denmark, which differed in location (city or countryside) and how they were built ('closed-off processes' or 'open processes'). Bioaerosol exposures were characterized by microbial concentrations in personal, stationary, sedimented dust, and hand samples, and their size distribution was assessed. Furthermore, species were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), and inhalable dust, endotoxin, biofilm production, the total inflammatory potential, and fungicide resistance to four fungicides (amphotericin B, caspofungin acetate, itraconazole, voriconazole) were determined. Bacterial and fungal concentrations were on average (GM) in the order of 104 cfu/m3, but ranged from 102 to 108 cfu/m3. Several species which may cause health problems were identified. Personal endotoxin exposures were on average 28 EU/m3, but both personal and stationary samples ranged from 0.6 to 2035 EU/m3. Bioaerosols had the potential to form biofilms and to induce inflammation as measured in a human cell line. Exposures were higher in the plants that outdoor reference values. Higher exposures were found in the 'open process' plant, such as in microbial concentrations, species richness, endotoxin, biofilm production, and the total inflammatory potential. Six out of 28 tested Aspergillus fumigatus isolates were resistant to fungicides (amphotericin B and voriconazole). In conclusion, there is a high exposure to bioaerosols during work in biowaste pretreatment plants, however, results also suggests that how the plant is built and functions may affect the exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil U Rasmussen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Hoang U T Phan
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Margit W Frederiksen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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