Endotoxin exposure and changes in short-term pulmonary function among sewage workers.

OBJECTIVES: The inhaled endotoxin is considered as a causative factor in the process of acute bronchial obstruction, which can be measured by a decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1). The aim of this study was to assess endotoxin exposure among sewage treatment plant workers (STPW) and its effect on across-shift changes in respiratory airflow. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 78 STPW from a large sewage treatment plant was studied. Inhalable dust for endotoxin assessment was collected using personal aerosol samplers. Endotoxin was assayed with the kinetic, chromogenic Limulus amebocyte lysate test. Across-shift spirometric measurements were performed on Mondays, after 2-days absence from work, with the use of portable spirometer. The forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1 parameters were analyzed. Multifactor regression modeling was performed to determine parameters significantly associated with endotoxin exposure. RESULTS: The concentration of inhalable dust and endotoxin ranged from 0.01-1.38 mg/m3 and 0.68-214 endotoxin units per cubic meter of air (EU/m3), respectively. Endotoxins were characterized with the skewed distribution (arithmetic mean (AM) = 38.8 EU/m3, geometric mean (GM) = 15.4 EU/m3, geometric standard deviation (GSD) = 4.21). Through the use of multifactor analysis, which excluded the main confounders (inhalable dust and smoking habit) it was found that, despite low levels of endotoxin, it had significant impact on the observed across-shift decline in FEV1 (p = 0.044). For this parameter, the regression slope was additionally calculated (r = -0.017, p = 0.071). CONCLUSIONS: Relatively low levels of endotoxin among sewage treatment plant workers may cause small, but significant across-shift declines in FEV1. The observed relationship was independent of organic dust concentrations and smoking habit. The respiratory protection should be provided for STPW.

Indoor allergens in settled dust from kindergartens in city of Lódz, Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The main objective of the study was to determine the levels of house dust mite (Der p1), dog (Can f1), cat (Fel d1) and cockroach (Bla g2) allergens in kindergartens localized in an urban agglomeration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A quantitative analysis of allergens was carried out in settled dust samples collected by vacuuming the floor surface in three kindergartens (N = 84) and children's clothing (N = 36). The samples were collected in spring-summer and autumn-winter periods as well as at the beginning and end of the week. The allergen dust concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The mean geometric concentrations (±geometric standard deviations) of allergens Der p1, Can f1, Fel d1 and Bla g2 determined in kindergartens were: 0.02 ± 3.21 µg/g of dust; 0.97 ± 4.49 µg/g of dust; 0.30 ± 4.43 µg/g of dust and 0.01 ± 3.08 µg/g of dust, respectively. Younger classrooms (children aged from 3 to 4 years) were characterized by almost twice higher mean concentration of allergen Fel d1, as compared to older classrooms (children aged from 5 to 6 years) (p < 0.05). A significant impact of seasonality on the level of dog allergen Can f1 was found (p < 0.05). No significant weekly variation was found in average concentrations of the allergens. Children who had a dog and/or cat at home were characterized by high concentrations of allergens Can f1 and Fel d1 on their clothes (59.2 ± 5.39 µg Can f1/g of dust; 3.63 ± 1.47 µg Fel d1/g of dust), significantly higher than concentrations of allergens in children who did not have any pets (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Special attention should be paid to keeping the kindergarten rooms tidy and clean and to an appropriate choice of furnishings and fittings which would prevent the proliferation of the house dust mite and accumulation of allergens.

Fungal aerosol in the process of poultry breeding--quantitative and qualitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess fungal air contamination in the processes associated with poultry breeding depending on the season. The evaluation was based on the determined concentrations of fungi and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 2 hatcheries and 3 hen buildings. The air was sampled in spring, summer and autumn directly onto a filter using air aspirator. For the quantitative analysis of fungi, the medium MEA with chloramphenicol and streptomycin was used. The qualitative identification of fungi was carried out based on macro- and microscopic analysis. RESULTS: The concentrations of total airborne mesophilic fungi in breeding facilities ranged from 1.22 x 10(3) to 5.87 x 10(5) cfu/m3 with the arithmetic mean value 1.60 x 10(5) cfu/m5. In 45% of the taken samples, these levels exceeded the reference value recommended in Poland for occupational environment exposure. The fungi concentration in the air of poultry houses was significantly modified by season (p = 0.04). A higher concentration of fungi occurred in autumn (p = 0.05). The dominant fungal microflora in the air was composed of molds (88%), with the most prevalent genus Acremonium. Yeasts constituted another 10% of bioaerosol and were mainly represented by genus Candida. The fungal aerosol contained two species qualified to the 2 group of risk--Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida tropicalis. CONCLUSIONS: Facilities of poultry farms are contaminated with high concentrations of fungal aerosols, especially in a colder season, often exceeding the recommended limits. Among the fungi, there are also present pathogenic microorganisms that may pose a risk to farm workers' health.

The variability of bacterial aerosol in poultry houses depending on selected factors.

OBJECTIVES: This study is aimed at evaluation of bacterial air contamination in intensive poultry breeding. The evaluation was based on the determined levels of bacterial concentrations and qualitative identification of isolated microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 5 poultry houses: two hatcheries and three hen houses with the litter bed system. The air was sampled in three measurement series in the central part of the investigated workplace at the height of about 1.5 m over the ground, using portable measuring sets consisting of a GilAir 5 (Sensidyne, USA) pump and a measuring head filled with a glass microfibre filter (Whatman, UK). For the quantitative and qualitative analysis of microorganisms were used appropriate microbiological media. RESULTS: The total concentrations of airborne mesophilic bacteria inside the poultry breeding houses ranged from 4.74 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 1.89 × 10(8) cfu/m(3). For Gram-negative bacteria, the range comprised the values from 4.33 × 10(2) cfu/m(3) to 4.29 × 10(6) cfu/m(3). The concentrations of the cocci of Enterococcus genus ranged from 1.53 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 1.09 × 10(7) cfu/m(3), whereas those of other Gram-positive bacteria from 3.78 × 10(4) cfu/m(3) to 6.65 × 10(7) cfu/m(3). The lowest concentrations of each group of the examined microorganisms were noted in the second measurement series when the air exchange in the breeding houses was over twice higher than in first and third measurement series because the mechanical ventilation was supported by natural ventilation (opened gates in the buildings). The lowest concentrations of total bacteria were obtained in those buildings where one-day old chickens were kept. Gram-positive bacteria of the genera: Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Corynebacterium, Brevibacterium, Micrococcus, Cellulomonas, Bacillus, Aerococcus, and Gram-negative bacteria of the genera: Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Escherichia, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Pasteurella, Pantoea were isolated. It was shown that for most of the investigated livestock premises the total bacteria concentrations exceeded the reference value of 1.0 × 10(5) cfu/m(3). Furthermore, pathogenic microorganisms which are a potential threat to human health (Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella pneumoniae ssp. ozaenae, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium) were found among the identified bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the hygienic conditions of the working environment connected with litter bed system production of poultry are affected by changes of the efficiency of ventilation and create a direct health risk to employees. They should use personal protective measures to protect their respiratory tract, especially when the gates in the hen houses are closed.

[Exposure to bioaerosols among CAFO workers (swine feeding)]. / Ocena narazenia na bioaerozole pracowników zatrudnionych przy intensywnej hodowli trzody chlewnej.

BACKGROUND: In this paper the exposure assessment to airborne biohazards (organic dust, microorganisms, endotoxins and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans) as well as to ammonia and hydrogen sulfide among CAFO (swine farms) workers is presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Occupational exposure assessment was carried out on 30 swine farms. Personal dosimetry was carried out among 90 swine farm workers to assess the exposure to organic dust, endotoxins and glucans. Concentrations of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide were measured using Draeger pipes. Endotoxins were assayed with the LAL test in a kinetic, chromogenic version and ((1 --> 3)-beta-D-glucans with the Glucatell test in a kinetic version. RESULTS: Concentrations of inhalable dust ranged from 0.16 to 37.2 mg/m3, with AM = 3.65 mg/m3, whereas AM for respirable fraction was 0.39 mg/m3 with the range from zero to 4.28 mg/m3. Mean concentration of culturable bacteria was 4.79 x 10 (5) jtk/m3, and fungi concentration was ten times lower - 1.55 x 10(4) jtk/m3. Exposure to endotoxins with high degree of differentiation ranged from 95 to 147 885 EU/m3 in inhalable and from 5.5 to 18 708 EU/m3 in respirable fractions. Glucan concentrations ranged from 6 to > 5200 ng/m3 in unhalable and from 1 to 800 ng/m3 in respirable fraction. Ammonia concentrations in the workplace air ranged from 1.78 mg/m3 (2.50 ppm) to 30.1 mg/m3 (42.4 ppm). Hydrogen sulfide did not exceed the level of 4.1 mg/m3. CONCLUSION: Work conditions found in CAFOs may induce adverse effects on workers' respiratory system and should be considered as an important harmful agent. The protection of workers respiratory airways should be recommended.

[Occupational hygiene and health hazards related to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs)]. / Problemy higieny pracy i zagrozenia zdrowotne towarzyszace intensywnej produkcji trzody chlewnej.

Emissions of harmful agents, inherent in the intensive production of pigs, create an important problem concerning the protection of workers' health. Concentration of many animals on relatively small areas contributes to high air contaminations inside swine confinement buildings. They are mostly induced by bioaerosols, such as organic dust, microorganisms, endotoxins, glucans and irritant gases. In view of the health care and safety of people employed in animal farming, it is crucial to conduct research involving a comprehensive evaluation of exposure to occupational hazards, indicating their level determinants and increasing the scientific information on dose-response relations. This article presents the review of the literature on the process of pig farming in Poland, including legislation, occupational hygiene and potential risk for the health of animal-handling workers.

[Occupational exposure to mesophilic microorganisms associated with commercial processing of compost for mushroom production]. / Ocena ekspozycji zawodowej na drobnoustroje mezofilne podczas prac zwiazanych z produkcja podloza do przemyslowej uprawy grzybów.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to mesophilic microorganisms associated with commercial processing of compost for mushroom production. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The air samples for microbiological analysis were collected directly on Petri dishes with Malt Extract Agar medium using Burkard Air Sampler. The quantitative and qualitative identification of mesophilic bacteria and mesophilic fungi were performed using the standard microbiological procedures. RESULTS: Considerable variation in exposure to bioaerosols within the sectors of compost production were observed. The highest level of mesophilic bacteria in the air (4.17 x 10(4) cfu/m3) was measured during the mixing of raw materials with water and loading of the final compost piles to the pasteurization tunnels (3.54 x 10(4) cfu/m3). The highest concentration of mesophilic fungi was found in the air samples collected during the manual unrolling of straw (1.62 x 10(4) cfu/m3) and dosing of mycelium to the compost (1.15 x 10(4) cfu/m3). Among 33 identified bacteria and fungi species, Pasteurella sp, Proteus mirabilis, Streptomyces sp, Corynebacterium sp and Aspergillusfumigatus create the potential risk for health of exposed workers. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of microorganisms found in the air creats the potential risk for human health, therefore the use of personal equipment, protecting the respiratory tract and skin of exposed workers is strongly recommended.

Chemical exposures at hazardous waste sites: Experiences from the United States and Poland.

The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Polish Nofer Institute of Occupational Health collaborate on issues related to hazardous chemical exposure at or near hazardous waste sites. This paper outlines the scope of hazardous chemical exposure in the United States and in Poland and identifies priority chemicals and chemical mixtures. Special attention is paid to exposures to metals and to evaluation of the health risks associated with those exposures. Studies in the United States indicate that exposure to hazardous waste site chemicals may be associated with an increased risk of adverse developmental - specifically cardiovascular and neurodevelopmental - effects.

[Indoor moulds: results of the environmental study in office rooms]. / Grzyby plesniowe w powietrzu pomieszczen biurowych--wyniki interwencji srodowiskowej.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to quantitatively and qualitatively identify moulds occurring in the air of selected office rooms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the wintertime inside four office rooms with moisture trace and one control room. To assess mycological contamination of the air, triple samples were directly collected on Petri dishes (Malt Extract Agar medium) using a Burkard air sampler. Qualitative evaluation of moulds was based on the microscopic view and morphological features of colonies. RESULTS: Total number of moulds determined in the air of office rooms did not exceed the level of 4 x 10(2) cfu/m3. The highest concentration of moulds (3.44 x 10(2) cfu/m3) was found in the room that was also used as an archive. It was over tenfold higher than in the control room (0.33 x 10(2) cfu/m3). The qualitative analysis of moulds showed the presence of 15 species. Some of them, including Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus versicolor, Aspergillus ochraceus, Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp. and Alternaria spp., are recognized as potential health hazards to workers due to the production of mycotoxins and allergic reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The archive was the only room, where concentration of moulds slightly exceeded the reference value. To protect the health of workers who perform their duties in this place, the documents, which are an ideal place of mould growth, should be moved to a separate room. Respiratory complaints reported by workers could be associated with concentrations and species of moulds found in the office rooms under study.

[Exposure assessment to bioaerosols among sewer workers]. / Ocena narazenia na bioaerozole pracowników kanalizacji.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to evaluate exposure to bioaerosols among sewer workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in the summertime, based on the standard PN-EN 13098. Air samples were collected on gelatine filters at three stationary sites: inside the sewer, next to the sewer manhole during under pressure cleaning and at effluent discharge point. In collected samples the qualitative and quantitative analysis of bacteria and fungi were performed. RESULTS: Bacteria and fungi concentrations were at low levels. The highest concentration of bacteria (about 5.0 x 10(2) cfu/m3) was found inside the sewer and of fungi (about 1.0 x 10(2) cfu/m3) at effluent discharge point. Among all determined microorganisms Gram-positive bacteria were predominated, especially Staphylococcus lentus. Others bacteria there were also found, like rod-shaped of the genus Bacillus and Enterococcus faecalis. The diversification of Gram-negative bacteria was small. Among fungi there were determined representatives of two genera Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp., including species Aspergillus fumigatus. CONCLUSIONS: According to the law in force among all determined microorganisms only bacteria Enterococcus faecalis (Enterococcus spp.) and mould Aspergillus fumigatus are classified as harmful biological agents (occupational risk group 2). It is suggested using by employees personal protective equipment, especially for respiratory airways and skin protection and also keeping the rules of individual hygiene.

[Biological hazards in air at municipal waste landfills]. / Czynniki biologiczne, szkodliwe dla zdrowia, wystepujace w powietrzu na terenie skladowisk odpadów komunalnych.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the microbiological air quality at the selected municipal waste landfills. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted during the summer at two municipal landfills. Air samples were collected on agar plates. The evaluation was based on the concentration levels of airborne bacteria and fungi and the identification of isolated strains. RESULTS: The total number of bacteria and fungi did not exceed the level of 10(3) cfu/m3. The highest concentrations of bacteria in air were observed during unloading, disposing and compacting of municipal wastes (landfill 1 - 6,1 x 10(3) cfu/ml, landfill 2 - 5,4 x 10(2) cfu/m3). The highest concentrations of fungi in air were observed at filled up parts of the landfills (landfill 1 - 4,8 x 10(2) cfu/m3, landfill 2 - 1,2 x 10(3) cfu/m3). The qualitative analysis of the air samples indicated the presence of 21 bacterial and fungi. Among of them bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus mirabilis and fungi Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans are classified as harmful biological agents. CONCLUSIONS: The total number of bacteria and fungi in air samples collected at the selected municipal waste landfills did not exceed the reference values. The concentration levels of bioaerosols are diversified according to the size of the landfill, the total number of accumulated wastes and the level of area usage. It is suggested using by municipal waste workers personal protective equipment, especially for respiratory airways and skin and also keeping the rules of individual hygiene.

Identification of health hazards to rural population living near pesticide dump sites in Poland.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present project was to assess population exposure to pesticides in the vicinity of pesticide dump sites and make a preliminary evaluation of the potential health hazards to humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the 286 pesticide dump sites registered in Poland, 40 were selected as the largest source of ecological hazard. The application of the Hazard Ranking System made it possible to identify 17 priority dump sites where pesticide wastes are deposited. For population exposure assessment, two dump sites located close to the residence area and drinking water intakes were selected as potentially most hazardous to health. They have a piezometric system installation that enables ground water sampling for analysis. RESULTS: In water samples collected from the water-bearing layer in areas adjacent to pesticide dump site, 31 different pesticides in total have been detected (15 organochlorine pesticides, 10 organophosphorous pesticides and 6 phenoxyacids), 12 of which - dichlorvos, mevinphos, endosulfan, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, methoxychlor, 2,4-D, MCPA, MCPP--had concentration levels higher than the detection limit. The estimated size of the potentially exposed population approximates 900 inhabitants; 33% of this population are children (aged 0-14 years) and women at reproductive age (aged 15-45 years). Both these target populations are considered particularly susceptible to the adverse health effects of pesticides. Assessment of population exposure to pesticides (p,p'-DDT - 0.15 microg/l; p,p'-DDD - 0.13 microg/1; MCPP - 12.3 microg/l; MCPA - 0.64 microg/l; methoxychlor - 0.31 microg/l; 2,4'-D - 5.4 microg/l) with concentration levels higher than the drinking water standard (0.1 microg/1) was based on pesticide daily intake in drinking water. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated a low cancer risk (R = 10(-8)) for people drinking water contaminated with p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDD as well as low non-cancer risk related to MCPA, MCPP and methoxychlor exposure. At one of the dump sites examined, the level of population exposure to 2,4'-D implies possible hematopoietic, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects as well as reproductive disorders.

Environmental exposure and birth outcomes.

The influence of environmental hazards on the health of children is one of the major current concerns in environmental health. Scientific investigations are now focusing on identifying and understanding the role of environmental hazards in the development of birth outcomes that result from in utero exposure to environmental contaminants. This paper reviews the published literature with provided evidence concerning the impact of environmental exposures to chemicals on the incidence of birth outcomes in the areas of environmental pollution originating from various sources. In spite of methodological limitations in a number of reviewed studies, the present body of knowledge calls for a precautionary approach and for preventive measures in order to reduce the risk of environmental exposures to chemicals with a recognized or suspected potential to cause birth outcomes.

[Current use of pesticides in Poland and the risk of reproductive disorders]. / Stosowane w Polsce srodki ochrony roslin a ryzyko zaburzen reprodukcji u osób pracujacych w rolnictwie i w gospodarstwach ogrodniczych.

Among numerous factors typical of occupations in agriculture, pesticides occupy a specific place. Their hazardous effects may be manifested among others by reproductive disorders. Therefore, it is very important to know what kind of pesticides is used in both agriculture and greenhouses. The aim of the study was to review the kinds and amounts of pesticides used in agriculture and greenhouses. The review was performed in the Kujawsko-pomorskie voivoship and on 14 horticulture farms. Their selection was based on the register of the Polish Horticulture Chamber. The pesticides were classified into two groups: those containing reproductive and/or developmental toxins (RD) and those acting as endocrine disrupters (ED). The majority of pesticides used in agriculture and horticulture belong to one of those groups. The results of the review suggest that the awareness of potential adverse effects of pesticides on fertility and pregnancy outcome should be increased among workers occupationally exposed to pesticides.