Exposure to airborne endotoxin in Italian greenhouses: environmental analyses

Abstract

The peculiar characteristics of the greenhouses as confined spaces, microclimate and poor air exchange with the outside environment, encourage the development of a large number of biological agents. Endotoxin, is probably a major causative agent of occupational health problems. The objective of this study was to measure the concentrations of airborne endotoxin in greenhouses with different cultures. The influence of microclimate was studied in correlation with endotoxin levels and type of cultured vegetables. The data indicate that workers employed greenhouses are exposed to low levels of inhalable endotoxins; endotoxin concentrations do not correlate with the temperature and relative humidity values. A strong correlation between the leaf size and endotoxin concentration was observed. The mean concentration of endotoxins in the air of greenhouses is relatively low, however, there could be peaks of exposure during harvesting and eradication of broadleaf plants.

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

“…Further, a report by Basinas et al (2017) collected 38 personal exposure measurements from dairy farmers and reported that dairy farm workers can be exposed to high and variable levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin (900 EU/m 3 ) and consequently such workers may be at risk of respiratory disease. Similarly research into such diverse working environments as greenhouses with plants, sawmill industries, waste composting plants, poultry farming and metalworking industries, show comparable airborne endotoxin ranges ( Dahlman-Höglund et al, 2016 , Gioffrè et al, 2018 , Gutarowska et al, 2015 , Straumfors et al, 2018 , Thilsing et al, 2015 ).…”

Lipopolysaccharides promote pulmonary fibrosis in silicosis through the aggravation of apoptosis and inflammation in alveolar macrophages

“…Many studies have shown a positive correlation between exposure to LPS and respiratory diseases including asthma-like symptoms, chronic airway obstruction, bronchitis, and increased respiratory responsiveness [ 21 ]. LPS exists in the air of Chinese coal mines, but it was also detected in the alveolar lavage fluid of silicosis patients, suggesting that LPS may play a critical role in the progression of silicosis.…”