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Microbial incidence in upper respiratory tracts of workers in the paper industry
Abstract:
The incidence of microbes in the nasal cavities of workers in three paper and board mills was investigated. A total of 234 persons exposed to microbial aerosols and splashes from paper machine wires and debarker drums formed the exposed group. The control group consisted of 294 workers from the dry working areas: the winding and packing sections. Chi-square analysis was used to test the differences in the frequency of microbial incidence and various symptoms between the exposed and control groups. The nasal cavities of many workers, particularly workers in the debarkers, proved to be contaminated by Klebsiella pneumoniae, other coliforms, yeasts, and molds; usually only one microbe was involved, but sometimes two or several species were found. Nasal bacteria and yeasts were largely derived from the mill and debarker air; the microbes in the air came mainly from process waters. Lack of association of nasopharyngeal symptoms with either exposure to aerosols or nasal microbial contamination was interpreted as an indication of host defenses that were adequate to protect workers from harmful microbial colonization in paper mill environments.
Insights
Workers in paper mills had nasal contamination from microbes like Klebsiella pneumoniae, yeasts, and molds, primarily from process water aerosols. However, most workers showed adequate host defenses against harmful colonization.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Microbiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Paper and board mill workers are potentially exposed to microbial aerosols and splashes.
- Understanding microbial incidence in nasal cavities is crucial for assessing occupational health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of microbes in the nasal cavities of paper mill workers.
- To compare microbial contamination between exposed and control groups.
- To assess the association between microbial exposure and nasopharyngeal symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 234 exposed workers and 294 control workers in paper and board mills.
- Nasal cavity microbial sampling and analysis.
- Chi-square analysis to compare microbial incidence and symptoms between groups.
Main Results:
- Significant nasal contamination by Klebsiella pneumoniae, coliforms, yeasts, and molds was found, especially in debarker workers.
- Microbial contamination in nasal cavities was linked to airborne microbes originating from process waters.
- No significant association was observed between nasopharyngeal symptoms and microbial exposure or nasal contamination.
Conclusions:
- Paper mill environments, particularly those involving debarkers and process waters, harbor significant microbial contaminants.
- Workers' host defenses appear adequate to prevent harmful microbial colonization and associated symptoms despite exposure.
- Further research may explore specific defense mechanisms in this occupational setting.