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[Microflora of the farming work environment as an occupational risk factor]
1Zakładu Biologicznych Szkodliwości Zawodowych, Instytutu Medycyny Wsi im. W. Chodźki w Lublinie.
Abstract:
The paper presents the results of the studies concerning the air mould fungi concentration in the work environment during grain threshing, flax breaking and thyme cleaning. A high level of fungi was observed in the air at all workplaces with the highest concentrations during grain threshing. Of the total number of 12 farms, in 8 the air mould fungi concentration exceeded the proposed standard of 50,000 CFU/m3. Among the species containing cereals, flax and thyme, mould fungi of Alternaria alternata sp.--an etiologic factor of allergic respiratory diseases--occurred most frequently. During flax breaking, the presence of fungi of Fusarium poae sp., which affect grain husks and cause a great economic loss in agriculture, was observed. Mould fungi of Aspergillus candidus sp. were found during thyme cleaning. These fungi have been reported to be an etiologic factor of organic dust toxic syndrome among secondary school students employed in the grain dust environment polluted with the spores of Aspergillus candidus. The results obtained show that the agricultural work environment is considerably polluted with the spores of mould fungi of allergenic and immunotoxic properties, which cause a high degree of health risk to people employed in agriculture.
Insights
Agricultural work environments, particularly during grain threshing, show high levels of airborne mold fungi. Many exceeded safety standards, posing significant health risks like allergies and toxic syndromes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
Context:
- Agricultural workplaces present unique exposure risks.
- Mold fungi are prevalent in environments associated with grain, flax, and thyme processing.
Purpose:
- To quantify airborne mold fungi concentrations in agricultural work environments.
- To identify specific mold species and their health implications.
Summary:
- Airborne mold fungi concentrations were measured during grain threshing, flax breaking, and thyme cleaning.
- Elevated levels, exceeding 50,000 CFU/m3, were found on 8 out of 12 farms, with grain threshing showing the highest concentrations.
- Key species identified include Alternaria alternata (allergenic), Fusarium poae (economic loss), and Aspergillus candidus (toxic syndrome).
Impact:
- Results highlight significant health risks for agricultural workers due to allergenic and immunotoxic mold spores.
- Identified fungi pose risks including allergic respiratory diseases and organic dust toxic syndrome.