Micro-organisms and dust exposure in an Italian grain mill

Abstract

Aims: In order to assess possible occupational risk for workers in a grain mill, we evaluated aerial microbiological contamination in different areas of the mill and at different points of the production line. We also measured the concentration of aerodispersed dust particles. Methods and Results: An assessment of microbiological contamination levels based on a Global Index of Microbial Contamination per cubic metre (GIMC per m 3 ), an Index of Mesophilic Bacterial Contamination, and an Amplification Index is proposed. The indices were obtained from total and fungal counts. The cleaning sector is the most contaminated area of the mill: the mean GIMC per m 3 was 17 213AE6. In this area, the average microbial contamination was 11AE41 times higher than that in the external environment. The highest concentrations of aerodispersed dust (inhalable 2AE763 mg m ; respirable 1AE400 mg m )3 ) were found in the cleaning area. Conclusions:The proposed microbiological indices and the concentrations of aerodispersed dust particles show that the most hazardous section of the mill is the cleaning area. The large variation in the data does not depend on seasonal factors, but rather on not easily identifiable conditions of the internal environment which facilitate diffusion and/or proliferation of the micro-organisms. Significance and Impact of the Study: The proposed microbiological contamination indices and the evaluation of the concentration of dust particles allow the identification of critical positions during the production cycle so that suitable measures to prevent the aerial contamination can be taken.

Ochratoxin A and Aristolochic Acid Involvement in Nephropathies and Associated Urothelial Tract Tumours

“…We also observed the highest contamination with OTA and CTN in wheat stored at farms in France (59). During milling, dust particles may be dispersed in the environment and increase exposure to mycotoxins by inhalation among grain workers (119). As storage work generates fi ve times more dust through threshing, it is considered an important exposure factor (120).…”

Evaluation of microbiological air quality and of microclimate in university classrooms

“…The proposed microbiological contamination indices are useful tools for detailed description of IAQ. These indices have already been tested in other working environments (Dacarro et al 2003(Dacarro et al , 2005Grisoli et al 2009). …”

Investigation of Cut-Off Sizes and Collection Efficiencies of Portable Microbial Samplers

“…Therefore, microbial samplers capable of drawing air at flow rates of 100 L/min and higher while still being portable are currently getting popular for monitoring biological agents. A number of such samplers have already been used in field investigations or discussed in literature (Berardi et al 1991;Der et al 2005;Burge et al 2000;Li and Lin 1999;Lee and Chang 2000;Nesa et al 2001;Dacarro et al 2005;Martinez et al 2004;Powitz et al 2002;Távora et al 2003). In addition, every year new or redesigned models are introduced into the market.…”