Workers’ exposure to dust, endotoxin and β-(1–3) glucan at four large-scale composting facilities

Sykes, Peter; Morris, Robert H.; Allen, John; Wildsmith, John; Jones, Ken

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2010.10.016

Cited by 42 publications

(40 citation statements)

References 28 publications

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“…Moreover, the big number of samples (117 compost workers were involved) collected in different environmental conditions could probably impact on the low geometric mean value. In our study, 4/5 of the samples (80%) collected at composting plant exceeded the level of 10 ng/m 3 , whereas in the study of Sykes et al (2010), 24/117 of the samples gave only 21% of exceeded concentrations. Hygienic assessment of the reported concentrations of bioaerosols is not simple, due to the lack of generally accepted normative values.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 67%

“…3)-glucan ranged from 0.12 to 14.5 ng/m 3 . One of the last studies concerning exposure to bioaerosols at composting facilities (Sykes et al 2010) showed also low exposure to b(1 ? 3)-glucan (geometric mean, 0.98 ng/m 3 ); however, the comparison is difficult because the technique used was different than this study (the use of a special B-D-blocker).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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β(1 → 3)-glucan aerosols in different occupational environments

2011

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The aim of this preliminary study was to assess exposure to b(1 ? 3)-glucan as well as inhalable dust and viable fungi in different occupational environments. The study was conducted in three different industrial plants: metal plant where metalworking fluids were applied, wastewater treatment plant, and waste composting plant. In selected points simultaneously the stationary air sampling was performed to evaluate the levels of inhalable dust, b(1 ? 3)-glucan, and to make a quantitative analysis of airborne fungi. All variables describing the exposure were characterized by a wide range of concentrations. The results were as follows: b(1 ? 3)-glucan (1.38-65.1 ng/m 3 ), inhalable dust (0.03-2.93 mg/ m 3 ), and fungi (0.16-285 9 10 2 CFU/m 3 ). The highest concentrations for all parameters were found in the composting plant. In the composting plant, a statistically significant correlation was found between b(1 ? 3)-glucan and fungal levels (r = 0.89; p \ 0.05). In the metal industry and composting plant, the participation of alkali-soluble fraction was stable, exceeding 90% of all b(1 ? 3)-glucan. However, in the wastewater treatment plant, its average amount was much lower-73.6%. The study showed that b(1 ? 3)-glucan was present in different occupational environments and it should be taken into consideration as an important part of bioaerosols. However, more studies are required to assess the concentration levels as well as all determinants of exposure.

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Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 67%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

β(1 → 3)-glucan aerosols in different occupational environments

2011

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“…Thirteen occupational studies measured personal exposure of compost workers to different bioaerosol components (Bünger et al, 2007;Crook et al, 2008;Drew et al, 2007;Douwes et al, 1997;Epstein et al, 2001;Krajewski et al, 2002;Schlosser et al, 2009;Sigsgaard et al, 1994;Stagg et al, 2010;Sykes et al, 2011;Taha et al, 2007;Wheeler et al, 2001), detecting significantly high concentrations of actinomycetes, Aspergillus fumigatus, fungi, and endotoxin (Stagg et al, 2010), and elevated personal exposure levels of endotoxin in workers, particularly during composting agitation activities (Sykes et al, 2011). Four occupational studies measured mesophilic mould/fungi (Reinthaler et al, 2004;Schlosser et al, 2009;Tolvanen et al, 2005;van Kampen et al, 2014).…”

Section: Exposure Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposures and Health Outcomes in Relation to Bioaerosol Emissions From Composting Facilities: A Systematic Review of Occupational and Community Studies

Pearson

Littlewood

Douglas

et al. 2015

Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B

142

109

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The number of composting sites in Europe is rapidly increasing, due to efforts to reduce the fraction of waste destined for landfill, but evidence on possible health impacts is limited. This article systematically reviews studies related to bioaerosol exposures within and near composting facilities and associated health effects in both community and occupational health settings. Six electronic databases and bibliographies from January 1960 to July 2014 were searched for studies reporting on health outcomes and/or bioaerosol emissions related to composting sites. Risk of bias was assessed using a customized score. Five hundred and thirty-six papers were identified and reviewed, and 66 articles met the inclusion criteria (48 exposure studies, 9 health studies, 9 health and exposure studies). Exposure information was limited, with most measurements taken in occupational settings and for limited time periods. Bioaerosol concentrations were highest on-site during agitation activities (turning, shredding, and screening). Six studies detected concentrations of either Aspergillus fumigatus or total bacteria above the English Environment Agency's recommended threshold levels beyond 250 m from the site. Occupational studies of compost workers suggested elevated risks of respiratory illnesses with higher bioaerosol exposures. Elevated airway irritation was reported in residents near composting sites, but this may have been affected by reporting bias. The evidence base on health effects of bioaerosol emissions from composting facilities is still limited, although there is sufficient evidence to support a precautionary approach for regulatory purposes. While data to date are suggestive of possible respiratory effects, further study is needed to confirm this and to explore other health outcomes.Waste management policy is rapidly evolving, largely because European countries are running out of space for landfill sites. Further, poor waste management contributes to climate change and threatens environmental sustainability. It is estimated that each tonne of food waste diverted from landfill to composting

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“…There is great concern about the potential health hazards of biological components in airborne particulate matter (bioaerosols), particularly about the levels of allergenic or toxigenic fungi and their association with indoor air quality (Zucker and Muller 2004;Liao et al 2010;Hsu et al 2011;Sykes et al 2011;Nilsson et al 2011;Park et al 2011). The quality of indoor air is considered to be very important since an average individual spends up to 85-90% of time indoors (ASHRAE 1992).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Airborne bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin levels in residential microenvironments: a case study

2011

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Limited data are currently available on the concentrations of airborne bacteria, fungi, and endotoxins in indoor environments. The levels of aerial bacteria and fungi were measured at several microenvironments within a well-ventilated residential apartment in Singapore including the living room, kitchen, bedroom, toilet, and at a workplace environment by sampling indoor air onto culture medium plates using the 6-stage Andersen sampler. Total microbial counts were determined by collecting the air samples in water with the Andersen sampler, staining the resultant extracts with a fluorescent dye, acridine orange, and counting the microbes using a fluorescent microscope. The levels of airborne endotoxins were also determined by sampling the airborne microorganisms onto 0.4 lm polycarbonate membrane filter using the MiniVol sampler at 5 l/min for 20 h with a PM 2.5 cut-off device. The aerial bacterial and fungal concentrations were found to be in the ranges of 117-2,873 CFU/m 3 and 160-1,897 CFU/m 3 , respectively. The total microbial levels ranged from 49,000 to 218,000 microbes/m 3 . The predominant fungi occurring in the apartment were Aspergillus and Penicillium while the predominant bacterial strains appeared to be Staphylococcus and Micrococcus. The average indoor endotoxin level was detectable in the range of 6-39 EU/m 3 . The amount of ventilation and the types of human activities carried out in the indoor environment appeared to be important factors affecting the level of these airborne biological contaminants.

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Workers’ exposure to dust, endotoxin and β-(1–3) glucan at four large-scale composting facilities

Cited by 42 publications

References 28 publications

β(1 → 3)-glucan aerosols in different occupational environments

β(1 → 3)-glucan aerosols in different occupational environments

Exposures and Health Outcomes in Relation to Bioaerosol Emissions From Composting Facilities: A Systematic Review of Occupational and Community Studies

Airborne bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin levels in residential microenvironments: a case study

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