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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

  • 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
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
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