Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway

Abstract

IntroductionIt 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).MethodsThis 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.ResultsIn 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.DiscussionThe 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.

Microbial Assessment in A Rare Norwegian Book Collection: A One Health Approach to Cultural Heritage

“…The sampling and analytical techniques proposed in this study have been successfully tested by our team in settings where microbiological contamination needs to be addressed for its possible impacts on human health [ 6 , 7 ]. It was, therefore, the first choice when assessing a setting where undiagnosed ailments keep affecting not only the well-being of the conservators-restorers that handle this collection but also pose a risk to the general public who wishes to consult this historic documentation.…”

“…However, 19% of the species so far identified in libraries and archives can cause various health effects [ 4 ]. Besides spores and fungal remains, such as mycelia, which can cause allergic reactions, fungi also excrete exotoxins during their growth—mycotoxins—which can cause allergies, asthma, and other health-related issues among staff and employers [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 ].…”

Filling the Knowledge Gap Regarding Microbial Occupational Exposure Assessment in Waste Water Treatment Plants: A Scoping Review

“…was recurrent and also the most prevalent in the selected papers; the prevalence of this genera in waste management industries has already been recognized, highlighting the need for further research regarding occupational exposure [ 14 ]. In fact, Aspergillus section Fumigati was already suggested as an indicator of harmful fungal exposure in the waste management industry [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ] and listed by the WHO as a critical priority, considering specific criteria such as antifungal resistance, mortality, evidence-based treatment, access to diagnostics, annual incidence and complications and sequelae [ 75 ]. However, the WHO list did not consider the toxicologic potential from fungal species, neglecting the possible occupational exposure to mycotoxins, as was already reported in different occupational environments [ 76 ].…”