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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
07:48
Intravenous Endotoxin Challenge in Healthy Humans: An Experimental Platform to Investigate and Modulate Systemic Inflammation
Published on: May 16, 2016
Acute effects after occupational endotoxin exposure at a spa
Mathias Holm1, Sandra Johannesson, Kjell Torén
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, PO Box 414, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. mathias.holm@amm.gu.se
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health
|February 18, 2009
Summary
Spa workers experienced illness from seaweed massages due to airborne endotoxin exposure. Using fresh seaweed or properly cooled seaweed for up to three weeks can minimize this risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Seaweed treatments are popular spa services.
- Workers performing seaweed massages reported flu-like symptoms.
Observation:
- Airborne endotoxin levels were measured during spa procedures.
- Endotoxin concentration in stored seaweed increased significantly with storage time.
Findings:
- Aerosolized endotoxin exposure was confirmed in the spa environment.
- Stored seaweed showed a dramatic increase in endotoxin levels over time.
Implications:
- The study links spa worker illness to endotoxin exposure from seaweed.
- Recommendations include using fresh or short-term stored seaweed to reduce health risks.
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