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Vijayakumar R, Abdulaziz Alfaiz F, Al-Malki ES, Sandle T. Assessment of airborne endotoxin in sandstorm dust and indoor environments using a novel passive sampling device in Al Zulfi city, Saudi Arabia - Establishing threshold exposure levels. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1257-1266. [PMID: 33613055 PMCID: PMC7878821 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of sandstorm dust events affects local air quality and public health. These issues are becoming of greater concern in Saudi Arabia. There is a significant lack of research on airborne endotoxin exposure and analysis in the Middle East countries and no coherent body of research exists focusing on sandstorm dust in worldwide. In this study, we used a novel design of an aluminum foil plate (AFP) electrostatic dust cloth (EDC) for the passive air sampling of sandstorm dust. A total of 38 sandstorm dust samples were collected during sandstorm episodes occurring between January and April 2020 in both indoor (7 days, n = 20) and outdoor environments (24 h, n = 18). After exposure, and following an extraction procedure, bacterial endotoxin levels were measured using the Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate (LAL) gel clot method. The study highlights that the airborne endotoxin level observed was between 10 and 200 EU/m2 in both indoor and outdoor environments, during a sandstorm event. Agricultural activities and farmhouses observed higher airborne endotoxin levels. In general, increased endotoxin levels were related to the severity of the sandstorms. Given that the observed values were high as per existing guidelines for respiratory health, we recommend the setting an occupational airborne exposure limit for bacterial endotoxin. This is the first report and further studies across various sandstorm-hit regions will need to be undertaken, together with various sampling methods, in order to assess for seasonal and geographic trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajendran Vijayakumar
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author at: Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Faiz Abdulaziz Alfaiz
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam S. Al-Malki
- Department of Biology, College of Science in Zulfi, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tim Sandle
- Head of Microbiology, Risk Management and Sterility Assurance, Bio Products Laboratory, Elstree, United Kingdom
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Daae HL, Heldal KK, Madsen AM, Olsen R, Skaugset NP, Graff P. Occupational exposure during treatment of offshore drilling waste and characterization of microbiological diversity. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 681:533-540. [PMID: 31121403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The exposure for workers handling and recycling offshore drilling waste are previously not described, and given the potential for exposure to hazardous components, there is a need for characterizing this occupational exposure. In this study five plants recycling offshore drilling waste with different techniques were included. Measurements were conducted in both winter and summer to include seasonal exposure variations. Altogether >200 personal air-exposure measurements for oil mist, oil vapor, volatile organic compounds (VOC), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and solvents were carried out respectively. Microorganisms related to drilling waste were identified in bulk samples and in stationary air measurements from two of the plants. The exposure to oil mist and oil vapor were below 10% of the current Norwegian occupational exposure limits (OEL) for all measured components. The plants using the Resoil or TCC method had a statistically significant higher exposure to oil vapor than the plant using complete combustion (p-value <0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the different treatment methods for oil mist. The exposure to solvents was generally low (additive factor < 0.03). Endotoxin measurements done during winter showed a median concentration of 5.4 endotoxin units (EU)/m3. Levels of H2S above the odor threshold of 0.1 ppm were measured at four plants. Both drill mud and slop water contained a high number and diversity of bacteria (2-4 × 104 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL), where a large fraction was Gram-negative species. Some of the identified microorganisms are classified as potentially infectious pathogens for humans and thus might be a hazard to workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Line Daae
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kari Kulvik Heldal
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Raymond Olsen
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Nils Petter Skaugset
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Graff
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, N-0304 Oslo, Norway.
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Jackie J, Lau WK, Feng HT, Li SFY. Detection of Endotoxins: From Inferring the Responses of Biological Hosts to the Direct Chemical Analysis of Lipopolysaccharides. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2019; 49:126-137. [DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2018.1479958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Jackie
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wai Khin Lau
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hua-Tao Feng
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sam Fong Yau Li
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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He X, Ding L, Su W, Ma H, Huang H, Wang Y, Ren H. Distribution of endotoxins in full scale pharmaceutical wastewater treatment plants and its relationship with microbial community structure. WATER SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : A JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION ON WATER POLLUTION RESEARCH 2018; 77:2397-2406. [PMID: 29893728 DOI: 10.2166/wst.2018.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Endotoxins are potential toxics impacting human health through respiration derived in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), yet the formation of endotoxins during wastewater treatment processes is still lacking research. In our study, the distribution of endotoxins and bacterial community structure in the wastewater of three full scale pharmaceutical WWTPs were explored using the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test and MiSeq technique. Results showed that higher endotoxin activities in the influent of Plant A and Plant C (560 and 1140 EU/mL), stemming from the fermentation process, were found compared to that of Plant B (135 EU/mL), coming from the process of chemical synthesis. During the anaerobic treatment and the cyclic activated sludge system (CASS) in the three WWTPs, the endotoxin activity increased, while it declined in the aerobic treatment system. In all bioreactors, the relative abundance of Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 50.0-94.6%. Bacteria with high lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in LAL assay were found at the genus level of Bacteroides, Enterococcus, Desulfovibrio, and Megasphaera.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lili Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wenbo Su
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Haijun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yanru Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Hongqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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GAUTAM R, HEO Y, LIM G, SONG E, ROQUE K, LEE J, KIM Y, CHO A, SHIN S, KIM C, BANG G, BAHNG J, KIM H. Altered immune responses in broiler chicken husbandry workers and their association with endotoxin exposure. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2018; 56:10-19. [PMID: 28835578 PMCID: PMC5800861 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2017-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to bioaerosols in indoor animal farms associates with respiratory illnesses, but little is known about the immune modulation to chicken farmers. This study aimed to compare the general immunity of chicken farmers with those of control subjects with non-agricultural jobs. Blood taken from the farmers and controls was subjected to plasma IgE and IgG subclass measurements. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were stimulated and cytokine production was measured. Indoor total and respirable dust levels and their endotoxin (LPS) and aflatoxin (AF) levels in the farms were measured. In total, 29 chicken farmers on 19 farms and 14 age- and sex-matched office workers participated. Hematological differences were not observed. The farmers tended to have higher serum IgE and IgG subclass levels with significance for IgG1. The cytokines released by PBMC from farmers indicated skewing toward Type-2 helper T-cell responses: interferon (IFN)-γ:interleukin (IL)-4 and IFNγ:IL-13 ratios were significantly lower than for control PBMC. The farms had 707.1 EU/m3 LPS in total dust, and 15.8 EU/m3 LPS in respirable dust. Farmers exhibited immune skewing towards allergic immune responses that correlated with the LPS levels on their farms. Chicken farmers may be at risk of respiratory allergies due to occupational endotoxin exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravi GAUTAM
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong HEO
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - GyeongDong LIM
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - EunSeob SONG
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - Katharine ROQUE
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - JaeHee LEE
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - YeonGyeong KIM
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - AhRang CHO
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - SoJung SHIN
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - ChangYul KIM
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Bio-Medical Sciences, Daegu Catholic University, Republic of Korea
| | - GiHwan BANG
- Harim Institute of Life Science, Harim Corporation, Republic of Korea
| | - JiYun BAHNG
- Harim Institute of Life Science, Harim Corporation, Republic of Korea
| | - HyoungAh KIM
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Republic of Korea
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van Duuren-Stuurman B, Gröllers-Mulderij M, van de Runstraat A, Duisterwinkel A, Terwoert J, Spaan S. Identification of Sources of Endotoxin Exposure as Input for Effective Exposure Control Strategies. Ann Work Expo Health 2017; 62:157-166. [DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxx102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Hoppe Parr KA, Hađina S, Kilburg-Basnyat B, Wang Y, Chavez D, Thorne PS, Weiss JP. Modification of sample processing for the Limulus amebocyte lysate assay enhances detection of inflammogenic endotoxin in intact bacteria and organic dust. Innate Immun 2017; 23:307-318. [PMID: 28359219 PMCID: PMC5814115 DOI: 10.1177/1753425917694084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory potency and causal relationship with asthma of inhaled endotoxins have underscored the importance of accurately assessing the endotoxin content of organic dusts. The Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay has emerged as the preferred assay, but its ability to measure endotoxin in intact bacteria and organic dusts with similar sensitivity as purified endotoxin is unknown. We used metabolically radiolabeled Neisseria meningitidis and both rough and smooth Escherichia coli to compare dose-dependent activation in the LAL with purified endotoxin from these bacteria and shed outer membrane (OM) blebs. Labeled [14C]-3-OH-fatty acids were used to quantify the endotoxin content of the samples. Purified meningococcal and E. coli endotoxins and OM blebs displayed similar specific activity in the LAL assay to the purified LPS standard. In contrast, intact bacteria exhibited fivefold lower specific activity in the LAL assay but showed similar MD-2-dependent potency as purified endotoxin in inducing acute airway inflammation in mice. Pre-treatment of intact bacteria and organic dusts with 0.1 M Tris-HCl/10 mM EDTA increased by fivefold the release of endotoxin. These findings demonstrate that house dust and other organic dusts should be extracted with Tris/EDTA to more accurately assess the endotoxin content and pro-inflammatory potential of these environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Hoppe Parr
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Suzana Hađina
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Brita Kilburg-Basnyat
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Yifang Wang
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dulce Chavez
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Peter S. Thorne
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Health, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jerrold P. Weiss
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Microbiology and Inflammation Program, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Viegas S, Caetano LA, Korkalainen M, Faria T, Pacífico C, Carolino E, Quintal Gomes A, Viegas C. Cytotoxic and Inflammatory Potential of Air Samples from Occupational Settings with Exposure to Organic Dust. TOXICS 2017; 5:E8. [PMID: 29051440 PMCID: PMC5606674 DOI: 10.3390/toxics5010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Organic dust and related microbial exposures are the main inducers of several respiratory symptoms. Occupational exposure to organic dust is very common and has been reported in diverse settings. In vitro tests using relevant cell cultures can be very useful for characterizing the toxicity of complex mixtures present in the air of occupational environments such as organic dust. In this study, the cell viability and the inflammatory response, as measured by the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), were determined in human macrophages derived from THP-1 monocytic cells. These cells were exposed to air samples from five occupational settings known to possess high levels of contamination of organic dust: poultry and swine feed industries, waste sorting, poultry production and slaughterhouses. Additionally, fungi and particle contamination of those settings was studied to better characterize the organic dust composition. All air samples collected from the assessed workplaces caused both cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory effects. The highest responses were observed in the feed industry, particularly in swine feed production. This study emphasizes the importance of measuring the organic dust/mixture effects in occupational settings and suggests that differences in the organic dust content may result in differences in health effects for exposed workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Viegas
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, 649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Merja Korkalainen
- National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Department of Health Security, Chemicals and Health Unit, P.O. Box 95, FIN-70701 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Tiago Faria
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Cátia Pacífico
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine. University of Lisbon, 649-028 Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Carla Viegas
- Environment and Health Research Group, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, ESTeSL, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Av. D. João II, Lote 4.69.01, 1990-096 Lisboa, Portugal.
- Centro de Investigação em Saúde Pública, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, 1600-560 Lisbon, Portugal.
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Roque K, Lim GD, Jo JH, Shin KM, Song ES, Gautam R, Kim CY, Lee K, Shin S, Yoo HS, Heo Y, Kim HA. Epizootiological characteristics of viable bacteria and fungi in indoor air from porcine, chicken, or bovine husbandry confinement buildings. J Vet Sci 2016; 17:531-538. [PMID: 27456779 PMCID: PMC5204031 DOI: 10.4142/jvs.2016.17.4.531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microorganisms found in bioaerosols from animal confinement buildings not only foster the risk of spreading diseases among livestock buildings, but also pose health hazards to farm workers and nearby residents. This study identified the various microorganisms present in the air of swine, chicken, and cattle farms with different kinds of ventilation conditions in Korea. Microbial air samples were collected onto Petri dishes with bacterial or fungal growth media using a cascade impactor. Endotoxin levels in total dust were determined by the limulus amebocyte lysate kinetic QCL method. Prevalent Gram-positive bacteria were Staphylococcus (S.) lentus, S. chromogenes, Bacillus (B.) cereus, B. licheniformis, and Enterococcus faecalis, while the dominant fungi and Gram-negative bacteria were Candida albicans and Sphingomonas paucimobilis, respectively. Considering no significant relationship between the indoor dust endotoxin levels and the isolation of Gram-negative bacteria from the indoor air, monitoring the indoor airborne endotoxin level was found to be also critical for risk assessment on health for animals or workers. The present study confirms the importance of microbiological monitoring and control on animal husbandry indoor air to ensure animal and worker welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Roque
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Gyeong-Dong Lim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Jo
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Kyung-Min Shin
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Eun-Seob Song
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Chang-Yul Kim
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Kyungsuk Lee
- National Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Rural Development Administration, Wanju 55365, Korea
| | - Seungwon Shin
- Department of Infectious Diseases and BK21 PLUS, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Han-Sang Yoo
- Department of Infectious Diseases and BK21 PLUS, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- Department of Occupational Health, College of Medical and Public Health Sciences, Catholic University of Daegu, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ah Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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Wallace RJ, Gropp J, Dierick N, Costa LG, Martelli G, Brantom PG, Bampidis V, Renshaw DW, Leng L. Risks associated with endotoxins in feed additives produced by fermentation. Environ Health 2016; 15:5. [PMID: 26768246 PMCID: PMC4714429 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-016-0087-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly, feed additives for livestock, such as amino acids and vitamins, are being produced by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli. The potential therefore exists for animals, consumers and workers to be exposed to possibly harmful amounts of endotoxin from these products. The aim of this review was to assess the extent of the risk from endotoxins in feed additives and to calculate how such risk can be assessed from the properties of the additive. Livestock are frequently exposed to a relatively high content of endotoxin in the diet: no additional hazard to livestock would be anticipated if the endotoxin concentration of the feed additive falls in the same range as feedstuffs. Consumer exposure will be unaffected by the consumption of food derived from animals receiving endotoxin-containing feed, because the small concentrations of endotoxin absorbed do not accumulate in edible tissues. In contrast, workers processing a dusty additive may be exposed to hazardous amounts of endotoxin even if the endotoxin concentration of the product is low. A calculation method is proposed to compare the potential risk to the worker, based on the dusting potential, the endotoxin concentration and technical guidance of the European Food Safety Authority, with national exposure limits.
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Affiliation(s)
- R John Wallace
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, AB21 9SB, UK.
| | | | - Noël Dierick
- Department of Animal Production, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lucio G Costa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Giovanna Martelli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | | | - Vasileios Bampidis
- Division of Animal Production, Department of Agricultural Technology, School of Agricultural Technology, Food Technology and Nutrition, Alexander Technological Educational Institute (ATEITHE), 57400, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | | | - Lubomir Leng
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Kosice, Slovakia.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the cotton industry of Pakistan, 15 million people are employed and exposed to cotton dust, toxic chemicals, noise and physical hazards. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of health symptoms, particularly respiratory symptoms, and to measure cotton dust and endotoxin levels in different textile factories of Faisalabad, Pakistan. METHODS A cross-sectional investigation was performed in a representative sample of 47 cotton factories in the Faisalabad region in Punjab, Pakistan. Respiratory symptoms of 800 workers were documented by questionnaire. Occupational safety in the factories was assessed by a trained expert following a checklist, and dust and endotoxin levels in different work areas were measured. RESULTS Prevalence of respiratory disease symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, chest tightness and cough) was generally high and highest in the weaving section of the cotton industry (20-40% depending on symptoms). This section also displayed the poorest occupational safety ratings and the highest levels of inhalable cotton dust (mean±SD 4.6±2.5 vs 0.95±0.65 mg/m(3) in compact units). In contrast, endotoxin levels were highest in the spinning section (median 1521 EU/m(3)), where high humidity is maintained. CONCLUSIONS There are still poor working conditions in the cotton industry in Pakistan where workers are exposed to different occupational hazards. More health symptoms were reported from small weaving factories (power looms). There is a dire need for improvements in occupational health and safety in this industrial sector with particular focus on power looms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Wali Khan
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Federal Government Polyclinic (Post-graduate Medical Institute), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Michael Kundi
- Institute of Environmental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Traversi D, Gorrasi I, Bonetta S, Leinardi R, Pietrangeli B, Carraro E, Gilli G. Green job bio-aerosol exposure during anaerobic digestion for biomass energetic valorisation. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 138:425-431. [PMID: 25791865 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The continued expansion of the green economy increases the risk profile for green occupational jobs. One of the broadest green sectors in terms of growth is the anaerobic digestion of biomasses. In recent years, this development has also interested Italian regions. The management of biomass includes biological risk and the risk of particulate and endotoxin exposure. In the present study, we evaluated airborne exposure for anaerobic digestion workers at two real-scale plants. Digested biomass has different origins, ranging from cattle sludge and manure to poultry manure to agricultural harvesting or processing residues, particularly from maize and fruits. Two sampling points were chosen: at the first, the input biomasses were stored, and the hopper was loaded; at the second, the digested sludge exited the digester. The microbiological parameters, assessed using an active sampler and cultural method, were the total bacteria counts (at 22, 37, and 55°C), yeasts, fungi, Pseudomonaceae, Clostridia spp., Enterobacteriaceae and Actinomycetes. Moreover, at the same sampling points, we evaluated six PM10 fraction levels (10.0-7.2, 7.2-3.0, 3.0-1.5, 1.5-0.95, 0.95-0.49, and <0.49µm) and the endotoxin content of each fraction. In this investigation, the microbe contamination of the air varied from low to high levels, while the PM10 and endotoxin levels were limited, reaching rural environmental levels (61.40µg/m(3) and 18.88EU/m(3), respectively). However, contamination and occupational risk must be evaluated individually for each plant because numerous variables influence the risk magnitude, particularly digested sludge treatments, such as input biomass nature, storage, movement conditions, building configuration and technological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Traversi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Gorrasi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Bonetta
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Riccardo Leinardi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Pietrangeli
- Department Productive Plants & Environment Interaction (DIPIA), National Institute of Occupational Safety & Prevention INAIL, I-00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Carraro
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Gilli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Torino, Piazza Polonia 94, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Gutarowska B, Skóra J, Stępień Ł, Szponar B, Otlewska A, Pielech-Przybylska K. Assessment of microbial contamination within working environments of different types of composting plants. JOURNAL OF THE AIR & WASTE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (1995) 2015; 65:466-478. [PMID: 25947216 DOI: 10.1080/10962247.2014.960954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The objective of the study was to determine the degree of microbiological contamination, type of microflora, bioaerosol particle size distribution, and concentration of endotoxins in dust in different types of composting plants. In addition, this study provides a list of indicator microorganisms that pose a biological threat in composting facilities, based on their prevalence within the workplace, source of isolation, and health hazards. We undertook microbiological analysis of the air, work surfaces, and compost, and assessed the particle size distribution of bioaerosols using a six-stage Andersen sampler. Endotoxins were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Microbial identification was undertaken both microscopically and using biochemical tests. The predominant bacterial and fungal species were identified using 16S rRNA and ITS1/2 analysis, respectively. The number of mesophilic microorganisms in composting plants amounted to 6.9×10(2)-2.5×10(4) CFU/m3 in the air, 2.9×10(2)-3.3×10(3) CFU/100 cm2 on surfaces, and 2.2×10(5)-2.4×10(7) CFU/g in compost. Qualitative analysis revealed 75 microbial strains in composting plants, with filamentous fungi being the largest group of microorganisms, accounting for as many as 38 isolates. The total amount of endotoxins was 0.0062-0.0140 nmol/mg of dust. The dust fraction with aerodynamic particle diameter of 0.65-1.1 μm accounted for 28-39% of bacterial aerosols and 4-13% of fungal aerosols. We propose the following strains as indicators of harmful biological agent contamination: Bacillus cereus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Cladosporium cladosporioides, C. herbarum, Mucor hiemalis, and Rhizopus oryzae for both types of composting plants, and Bacillus pumilus, Mucor fragilis, Penicillium svalbardense, and P. crustosum for green waste composting plants. The biological hazards posed within these plants are due to the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and the inhalation of respirable bioaerosol. Depending on the type of microorganism, these hazards may be aggravated or reduced after cleaning procedures. IMPLICATIONS This study assessed the microbial contamination in two categories of composting plants: (1) facilities producing substrates for industrial cultivation of button mushrooms, and (2) facilities for processing biodegradable waste. Both workplaces showed potentially pathogenic microorganisms, respirable bioaerosol, and endotoxin. These results are useful to determine the procedures to control harmful biological agents, and to disinfect workplaces in composting plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Gutarowska
- a Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology , Łódź , Poland
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Nigatu AW, Bråtveit M, Deressa W, Moen BE. Respiratory symptoms, fractional exhaled nitric oxide & endotoxin exposure among female flower farm workers in Ethiopia. J Occup Med Toxicol 2015; 10:8. [PMID: 25741375 PMCID: PMC4347973 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-015-0053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greenhouse workers are exposed to organic dusts, and they are thereby at risk of developing airway disorders. This study aims to measure personal endotoxin exposure, assess respiratory symptoms and measure fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) among female flower farm workers in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study involving female workers (n = 248) from four flower farms was conducted. The workers were interviewed for respiratory symptoms using a standard questionnaire. Workers from two of these farms also participated in personal endotoxin sampling (46 workers, 75 measurements) on glass fiber filters (0.2 μm pore size) inside conductive 25 mm Millipore cassettes for sampling of the “total dust” fraction. They also participated in FeNO (n = 114) measurements with a portable electrochemistry-based sensor. Chi-square and independent t-tests were used to compare categorical and continuous variables respectively. A mixed-effects model was used to analyze exposure determinants. Results Endotoxin exposure had a geometric mean (GM) of 22.8 endotoxin units (EU)/m3 with a maximum of 180 EU/m3. Greenhouse workers had significantly higher endotoxin exposure than workers outside the greenhouses (GM = 26.7 vs. 19.3 EU/m3 respectively; p < 0.05). The mean age of the workers was 24 years, and their mean working time in the flower farm was 21 months. Greenhouse workers had higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms than those outside greenhouses. However, after adjusting for education only blocked nose remained significant. The FeNO concentration ranged 5–166 ppb (GM = 14 ppb). Two workers had FeNO concentration above 50 ppb. FeNO levels differs significantly between the farms but there was no difference between workers inside and outside greenhouses. Conclusion Greenhouse workers at flower farms had higher prevalence of blocked nose than workers outside, which may indicate the presence of rhinitis. Endotoxin exposure was low. There were few workers with objective signs of airway inflammation; this might be because the mean working time in the greenhouses was only two years. We suggest further studies to evaluate the effect of longer employment and exposure time as well as to investigate possible exposure to pesticides and other components in the bio-aerosols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amare W Nigatu
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Magne Bråtveit
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Wakgari Deressa
- School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Bente E Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Chiominto A, Marcelloni AM, Tranfo G, Paba E, Paci E. Validation of a high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for β-hydroxy fatty acids as environmental markers of lipopolysaccharide. J Chromatogr A 2014; 1353:65-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2014.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Paba E, Chiominto A, Marcelloni AM, Proietto AR, Sisto R. Exposure to airborne culturable microorganisms and endotoxin in two Italian poultry slaughterhouses. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2014; 11:469-478. [PMID: 24467310 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2013.877141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Even if slaughterhouses' workers handle large amounts of organic material and are potentially exposed to a wide range of biological agents, relatively little and not recent data are available. The main objective of this study was to characterize indoor concentrations of airborne bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin mod = Im (endotoxin∼Gram-negative*plant*filter) in two Italian poultry slaughterhouses. Air samples near air handling units inlets were also collected. Since there are not standardized protocols for endotoxin sampling and extraction procedures, an additional aim of the study was to compare the extraction efficiency of three different filter.. The study was also aimed at determining the correlation between concentrations of Gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin. In Plant A bacterial levels ranged from 17.5 to 2.6×10(3) CFU/m3. The highest concentrations were observed in evisceration area of chickens, between the automatic detachment of the neck and washing offal, and near birds coupling before hair-chilling. The highest mean value of Gram-negative (266.5 CFU/m3) was found near the washing offal of turkeys. In Plant B bacterial concentration ranged from 35 to 8×10(3) CFU/m3. The highest concentration. with the highest value of Gram-negative (248 CFU/m3), was found after defeathering. Fungal concentrations were overall lower than those found for bacteria (range: 0-205 CFU/m3 in Plant A and 0-146.2 CFU/m3 in Plant B). The microbial flora was dominated by Gram-negative and coagulase-negative staphylococci for bacteria and by species belonging to Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus genera for molds. The highest endotoxin concentrations were measured in washing offal for Plant A (range: 122.7-165.9 EU/m3) and after defeathering for Plant B (range: 0.83-38.85 EU/m3). In this study airborne microorganisms concentrations were lower than those found in similar occupational settings and below the occupational limits proposed by some authors. However, these microorganisms may exert adverse effects on exposed workers, in particular for those engaged in the early slaughtering stages, as evidenced by the presence of pathogenic species. The detection of pathogenic bacteria near AHU inlet may constitute a risk to public health and environmental pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Paba
- a Department of Occupational Hygiene, INAIL Research , Rome , Italy
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