Occupational endotoxin exposure and health effects

Liebers, Verena; Brüning, Thomas; Raulf, Monika

doi:10.1007/s00204-020-02905-0

Cited by 30 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…In general, direct comparison of endotoxin and β-(1,3)-glucan levels among different studies is often hampered by methodological differences. Measuring both microbial agents can be performed using various quantitative assays (from different manufacturers or laboratories) that produce different nominal values that do not always correlate ( Brooks et al , 2013 ; Liebers et al , 2020 ). Furthermore, extraction procedure and subsequent storage can influence the results.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

Zahradnik

Sander

Kleinmüller

et al. 2021

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

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Objectives In veterinary settings, high exposures to animal allergens and microbial agents can be expected. However, occupational exposure levels are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the allergen, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan concentrations in small animal practices and in the homes of practice employees. Methods Dust samples were collected using electrostatic dust fall collectors in diverse rooms of 36 small animal practices, as well as in employees’ homes. Major animal allergens (Fel d 1, Can f 1, Ory c 3, Cav p 1, Equ c 1, Bos d 2), domestic mite (DM) allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan levels were measured using enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin was determined using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Influences on exposure levels were analyzed using multilevel models. Results The levels of Can f 1, Fel d 1, Ory c 3, and Cav p 1 were up to 30 times higher in practices compared with homes without animals, but significantly lower compared with the homes with the respective pet. Although horses were not treated in the practices, Equ c 1 was found in 87.5% of samples, with the highest concentrations measured in changing rooms. DM levels were significantly lower in practices than in all private homes, and endotoxin levels were similar to those in homes with pets. In the practice itself, exposure levels were significantly influenced by animal presence, type of the room, and area per employee; whereas, room volume and diverse cleaning measures had mostly no effect. Conclusions Exposure to animal allergens is high in veterinary practices, but it does not reach levels of households with pets. Domestic mite allergen and endotoxin exposure seem to be low for workers in veterinary practices. The high Equ c 1 detection rate strongly indicates dispersal of allergens, most likely through clothing and hair.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

Zahradnik

Sander

Kleinmüller

et al. 2021

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

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“…This high exposure to microbes further underlines the need to improve the methods for performing this task. Exposure to endotoxins was low in comparison to many other sectors of agriculture or bio-economy [19], and according to an unpublished measurement register of the FIOH, which, considering the cleanliness of the greenhouse environment, was to be expected. It was also lower than in Danish greenhouses [5].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Exposure to dust, endotoxins and microbes in Finnish vegetable greenhouses

Suuronen¹,

Hölttä²,

Korva³

et al. 2022

Ann Agric Environ Med.

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Introduction and Objective.In Finland and other northern countries, vegetable greenhouse workers are exposed to airborne dust and microbes all year round. The aim of the study was to assess respiratory exposure to dust, endotoxins and microbes, and to identify the risk phases of respiratory and skin exposure to promote safe working methods. Materials and method. Work in greenhouses was observed and recorded in a structured form. 23 personal samples and eight stationary samples of dust, endotoxins and viable microbes were collected from eight tomato or cucumber greenhouses in Finland. Dust samples were analysed gravimetrically. Endotoxins were analysed on filters by chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Microbes were collected on filters, incubated and counted in three different culture media. Eight additional stationary samples of microbes were collected on a six-phase impactor.Results. The greenhouses were generally clean and well organised, but skin protection was deficient. The median of personal dust exposure was 0.24 mg/m 3 : 0.21 mg/m 3 in the tomatohouses and 0.62 mg/m 3 in the cucumber greenhouses. The mean level of bacteria in the tomato houses was 2.7 × 10 3 and in the cucumber houses 1.6 × 10 4 . Those of fungi were 3.6 × 10 5 and 1.7 × 10 5 on Hagem and 8.1 × 10 5 and 1.9 × 10 5 on DG-18, respectively. The microbes made up about 1/10 of these values in the stationary samples. Very low concentrations of endotoxins were found in 5/23 air samples. Conclusions. The clean appearance of the greenhouses was reflected in the low to moderate levels of dust. Risk phases of high exposure, such as lifting leaf debris, were identified. The microbe species were typical of this climate, and their levels were comparable to other greenhouse studies, but lower than in farming. Prevention among the foreign workforce is challenging due to the lack of a common language.

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“…In rural or agricultural environments, health problems caused by bioaerosols of pollen, grains, animals, and animal wastes have been reported for decades [15,16,17]. Recently, health problems caused by endotoxins have emerged with the most commonly reported being respiratory problems (e.g., rhinitis, asthma, asthma-like syndrome, bronchitis, and COPD).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bioaerosol exposure by farm type in Korea

Kim¹,

Han²,

Lee³

et al. 2022

Ann Agric Environ Med.

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Introduction andObjective. Bioaerosols exist in almost every environment and are known to be risk factors for a variety of diseases. Agricultural work involves high exposure to bioaerosols and its workplace concentrations affect the surrounding areas. The study evaluates bioaerosol concentrations in agricultural workplaces and residential areas according to farm type. Materials and method. In 2013-2015, a total of 381 samples were collected for endotoxin and microbial testing from three farm types: open field, greenhouse, and livestock facilities. Endotoxins were measured using a 37-mm glass fire filter connected to an air pump calibrated to 2 LPM. Microorganisms were measured using a gelatin filter and impaction (singlestage Andersen sampler).Results. The concentration of endotoxins and microorganisms at the livestock facilities was significantly higher than in the open fields and greenhouses (p<0.05). Among the livestock farms, the concentrations of endotoxins and gram-negative bacteria were highest at hog farms, and the concentrations of total bacteria and fungi were the highest in poultry houses. In both greenhouses and livestock facilities, the concentrations of bioaerosols were higher in the workplace than in a nearby residential area, and the difference in concentration was significantly greater in the case of livestock facilities. Conclusions. The concentrations of bioaerosols in agricultural workplaces and nearby residential areas were higher than in the control and general areas. Therefore, measures should be taken to prevent exposure to bioaerosols at agricultural workplaces and their vicinities.

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Occupational endotoxin exposure and health effects

Cited by 30 publications

References 47 publications

Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

Exposure to dust, endotoxins and microbes in Finnish vegetable greenhouses

Bioaerosol exposure by farm type in Korea

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