Airborne microorganisms, endotoxin, and dust concentration in wood factories in Italy.

ABSTRACT

Exposure to biological agents and dusts occurs in homes and occupational environments and it is known to cause adverse health effects. There is limited information concerning the occupational exposure levels of airborne biohazard during wood processing, but this exposure is associated with a range of adverse health effects. Control of exposure to microbiological hazards and dust in woodworking is not easy. In fact, various types of wood are commonly used and they generate complex mixtures of dusts and biological agents with various health risks. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of dust, bacteria, and endotoxins encountered in six different wood factories. These people were exposed to between 0.05 and 12.00 mg inhalable dust m(-3) and between 0.40 and 6.93 ng inhalable endotoxins m(-3). Total bacteria concentrations in the air of the factories examined were within a range of 130-2000 CFU m(-3), the value of Gram negative was within a 0-164 CFU m(-3), and the concentration of Gram positive was within 1-104 CFU m(-3). In conclusion, people working in wood factories may be exposed to high levels of inhalable dust and endotoxins.