The peculiar characteristics of the greenhouses as confined spaces, microclimate and poor air exchange with the outside environment, encourage the development of a large number of biological agents. Endotoxin, is probably a major causative agent of occupational health problems. The objective of this study was to measure the concentrations of airborne endotoxin in greenhouses with different cultures. The influence of microclimate was studied in correlation with endotoxin levels and type of cultured vegetables. The data indicate that workers employed greenhouses are exposed to low levels of inhalable endotoxins; endotoxin concentrations do not correlate with the temperature and relative humidity values. A strong correlation between the leaf size and endotoxin concentration was observed. The mean concentration of endotoxins in the air of greenhouses is relatively low, however, there could be peaks of exposure during harvesting and eradication of broadleaf plants.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.2017-0080 | DOI Listing |
J Hazard Mater
January 2025
The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark. Electronic address:
Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) workers are exposed to bioaerosols containing bacteria, fungi, and endotoxin, potentially posing health risks to workers. This study quantified personal exposure levels to airborne bacteria and fungi, endotoxin, and dust among 44 workers during two seasons at four WWTPs. Associations between the exposure measurements and serum levels of biomarkers CRP, SAA, and CC16 were also assessed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Aerosol Technology Laboratory, Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
Gram-negative bacteria pose an increased threat to public health because of their ability to evade the effects of many antimicrobials with growing antibiotic resistance globally. One key component of gram-negative bacteria resistance is the functionality and the cells' ability to repair the outer membrane (OM) which acts as a barrier for the cell to the external environment. The biosynthesis of lipids, particularly lipopolysaccharides, or lipooligosaccharides (LPS/LOS) is essential for OM repair.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInhal Toxicol
January 2025
Departamento de Toxicología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico.
Objective: The present study evaluated urinary oxidative stress (OxS) biomarkers to explain the extrapulmonary effect of renal function decline due to subchronic inhalation exposure to particles smaller than 2.5 μm, as well as the correlation of the biomarkers with the particles' endotoxin content.
Materials And Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to subchronic inhalation of particles smaller than 2.
J Hazard Mater
January 2025
Department of Public Health, College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan, ROC; Research Center for Precision Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Wildlife Conservation, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung City, Taiwan, ROC. Electronic address:
Background: Air purifiers can enhance indoor air quality and health outcomes, and studies have primarily focused on filters and particulate matter (PM) in households. Photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) is a promising technique for eliminating gaseous pollutants and bioaerosols. However, no field study was conducted in household.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Occup Environ Hyg
December 2024
Département de Biochimie, de Microbiologie et de Bio-informatique, Faculté des Sciences et de Génie, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Awareness about laying hen welfare has led to the phase-out of conventional battery cages in favor of the adoption of alternative housing systems for egg production in many countries. However, the greater freedom of movement for animals and the presence of manure and litter (sawdust, straw, feathers, etc.) on the floor in some alternative housing systems may be suitable conditions for dusts, bacteria, and fungi to be aerosolized, raising concerns about indoor air quality and respiratory health of workers.
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