Monitoring and evaluation of bioaerosol exposure

Abstract

Bioaerosols are defined as aerosols or particulate matter of microbial, plant or animal origin. Bioaerosols may consist of pathogenic or non-pathogenic live or dead bacteria and fungi, viruses, allergens, bacterial endotoxins, mycotoxins, peptidoglycans, ß(1 -3)-glucans, pollens, plant fibres, erc. Exposures to bioaerosols in the occupational environment are associated with a wide range ofhealth effects, including infectious diseases, toxic effecrs, allergies, and cancer [Douwes er aJ.,2003]. 'W'orkers from a large number of industries are potentially at risk including workers in agriculture, meat production, food and animal feed industry waste recycling and composting industr¡ detergent industr¡ wood and paper industr¡ metal machining industries, biotechnology industries, the medical and public health sector, as well as, veterinarians, pet shop keepers, laboratory animal workers, etc.