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Bioaerosols in Midwest Greenhouses and Respiratory Symptoms Among the Workers.

PB2014103947

Publication Date	2010
Personal Author	Adhikari, A.
Page Count	36
Abstract	The objectives of this CDC-NIOSH R03 pilot project were: (1) to investigate exposure levels to airborne culturable and total fungi, bacteria (total culturable bacteria and actinomycetes), endotoxin, and (1 -> 3)-Beta-D-glucans in three Midwest greenhouses during summer and winter using multiple exposure assessment methods; (2) characterize the load of microorganisms on greenhouse floors and determine potential microbial source strengths of the floors for aerosolizing microbial biocontaminants, and (3) to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis, wheezing, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms/conditions among greenhouse workers. Stationary inhalable aerosol samples were collected from each greenhouse using Button Inhalable Aerosol Samplers. Control samples were collected from offices and nearby outdoor locations. A microbial source strength tester was used to examine the aerosolization potential of microbial contaminants from greenhouse floors. Additionally, surface samples were collected by sterile cotton swabs. Temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity were recorded. Airborne culturable fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes were analyzed in the extracts from field samples by cultivation in nutrient agar media. Endotoxin and (1 -> 3)-Beta-D-glucan in the extracts from field samples were analyzed by specific kinetic chromogenic LAL assays. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among greenhouse workers (n = 35) and control subjects (office workers; n = 14) was estimated with a standardized questionnaire.
Keywords	Occupational safety and health Bioaerosols Greenhouse effect Respiratory system disorders Agricultural workers Aerosols Air pollution sampling Airborne particles Allergies Bacteria Bronchial asthma Contamination Endotoxins Fungi Microorganisms Plants Seasonal factors Soils Symptoms
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Cincinnati Univ., OH. Dept. of Environmental Health.; Ohio State Univ., Columbus.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Prepared in cooperation with Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201411

Bioaerosols in Midwest Greenhouses and Respiratory Symptoms Among the Workers.

Bioaerosols in Midwest Greenhouses and Respiratory Symptoms Among the Workers.
PB2014103947

Publication Date	2010
Personal Author	Adhikari, A.
Page Count	36
Abstract	The objectives of this CDC-NIOSH R03 pilot project were: (1) to investigate exposure levels to airborne culturable and total fungi, bacteria (total culturable bacteria and actinomycetes), endotoxin, and (1 -> 3)-Beta-D-glucans in three Midwest greenhouses during summer and winter using multiple exposure assessment methods; (2) characterize the load of microorganisms on greenhouse floors and determine potential microbial source strengths of the floors for aerosolizing microbial biocontaminants, and (3) to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis, wheezing, asthma, and other respiratory symptoms/conditions among greenhouse workers. Stationary inhalable aerosol samples were collected from each greenhouse using Button Inhalable Aerosol Samplers. Control samples were collected from offices and nearby outdoor locations. A microbial source strength tester was used to examine the aerosolization potential of microbial contaminants from greenhouse floors. Additionally, surface samples were collected by sterile cotton swabs. Temperature, relative humidity, and wind velocity were recorded. Airborne culturable fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes were analyzed in the extracts from field samples by cultivation in nutrient agar media. Endotoxin and (1 -> 3)-Beta-D-glucan in the extracts from field samples were analyzed by specific kinetic chromogenic LAL assays. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among greenhouse workers (n = 35) and control subjects (office workers; n = 14) was estimated with a standardized questionnaire.
Keywords	Occupational safety and health Bioaerosols Greenhouse effect Respiratory system disorders Agricultural workers Aerosols Air pollution sampling Airborne particles Allergies Bacteria Bronchial asthma Contamination Endotoxins Fungi Microorganisms Plants Seasonal factors Soils Symptoms
Source Agency	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Corporate Authors	Cincinnati Univ., OH. Dept. of Environmental Health.; Ohio State Univ., Columbus.; National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Supplemental Notes	Prepared in cooperation with Ohio State Univ., Columbus. Sponsored by National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Atlanta, GA.
Document Type	Technical Report
NTIS Issue Number	201411