Occupational exposure to inhalable pathogenic microorganisms in waste sorting

Eriksen, Elke; Madsen, Anne Mette; Afanou, Anani Komlavi; Straumfors, Anne; Eiler, Alexander; Graff, Pål

doi:10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114240

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 55 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Despite the restricted number of assessed plants, this study confirmed a high exposure to microbial agents. The use of six selected fungal molecular targets in this study allowed comparison with previous molecular results ( 19 , 21 ). The selection of these molecular targets, specific to the environment under study, was based on results from previous studies that described fungal contaminants with clinical and toxicological relevance ( 2 , 18 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

“…Occupational exposure to microorganisms during waste handling is a known health hazard for exposed workers ( 9 , 30 – 31 ). Although microbial composition of bioaerosols in traditional waste sorting has been described previously ( 18 , 32 , 33 ) the work environment microbiome is rarely described at automated waste sorting plants ( 19 , 21 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Six important Aspergillus sections were targeted in air samples, filter and settled dust samples’ extracts by quantitative PCR (qPCR) using the CFX-Connect PCR System (Bio-Rad), according to a previously reported method ( 23 ) and to complement the results already obtained in previous studies ( 19 , 21 ). For fungal DNA isolation, the ZR Fungal/Bacterial DNA MiniPrep Kit (Zymo Research, Irvine, USA) was used.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, exposure determinants, characteristics of the determinants and the possible health effects related still need to be fully unveiled. In this study we intend to complement the findings obtained in previous studies ( 9 , 19 – 21 ) and to contribute to fill the knowledge gap regarding occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (performed automatically and manually) applying a novel and comprehensive field (active and passive sampling methods) and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools). This will allow to understand if the type of sorting influence the microbiological contamination and main features.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

See 3 more Smart Citations

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

Viegas,

Eriksen,

Gomes

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

See 2 more Smart Citations

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

Viegas,

Eriksen,

Gomes

et al. 2023

Front. Public Health

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Fungal and bacterial species on biowaste workers’ hands and inhalation zone, and potential airway deposition

Madsen,

Rasmussen,

Frederiksen

2024

Waste Management

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

A cross-sectional study on occupational hygiene in biowaste plants

Madsen,

Rasmussen,

Delsuz

et al. 2024

Annals of Work Exposures and Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Recycling demands are increasing and new biowaste plants are established. The aim of this study is to obtain knowledge about occupational hygiene in biowaste pretreatment plants. At 6 plants, bioaerosol exposure, hand hygiene, and bioaerosol concentrations in work areas were investigated repeatedly. The total inflammatory potential (TIP) of exposures was measured using the human HL-60 cell line. Exposure to airborne bacteria, bacteria able to grow anaerobic, fungi(37°C), endotoxin, and TIP differed between plants and was lowest in a plant transporting waste in closed pipes compared to plants where waste was delivered on the receiving hall floor. Conversely, high exposures were measured in a plant that also processes compost. All microbial components had an impact on TIP of workers’ exposure with main effects of fungi and endotoxin. Seasonality was found for several exposures and TIP, and they were lowest in the winter. Concentrations of bacteria and fungi on workers’ hands at the end of the workday were 15 times higher for production than for nonproduction workers. In work areas, the concentrations of airborne fungi were highest in the waste-receiving area. Bacteria (3.2 µm) and anaerobic bacteria (4.0 µm) were present as larger airborne particles than fungi (2.8 µm), and bacteria were largest in the waste-receiving area. The microbial community compositions of exposures and work areas differed between plants and work areas. In conclusion, measures to reduce exposure should focus on the waste-receiving area and on the production workers. Differences in exposures and community compositions were found between seasons, work areas, work groups, and plants.

show abstract

Occupational exposure to inhalable pathogenic microorganisms in waste sorting

Cited by 3 publications

References 55 publications

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

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

Fungal and bacterial species on biowaste workers’ hands and inhalation zone, and potential airway deposition

A cross-sectional study on occupational hygiene in biowaste plants

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About