Adverts
Exposure to Dust & Endotoxins at Composting Sites: A Case Study
Abstract
Objectives
To characterise compost workersâ exposure to dust, endotoxin and ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan during various operational practices and investigate whether dust concentrations are a useful indicator of endotoxin exposure in compost workers.
Methods
This study assessed inhalable dust fractions, bacterial endotoxin and ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan in 117 personal samples and 88 ambient samples from four large-scale composting facilities.
Results
Employeesâ exposures to inhalable dust, endotoxin and ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan exhibited a large range. Inhalable dust was found to be generally low (GM 0.99 mg/m3, GSD 2.99 mg/m3). Analysis of the biological component of the dust showed that employeesâ exposures to endotoxin were elevated (GM 35.10 EU/m3, GSD 9.97 EU/m3). Employeesâ exposure to ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan was low (GM 0.98 ng/m3, GSD 13.39 ng/m3). Dust levels were elevated during manual sorting and screening of waste and high levels of endotoxin and ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan were observed during all practices involving the movement of waste. A significant correlation was observed between the personal dust levels and personal endotoxin concentrations (r = 0.783, p < 0.05) and that personal inhalable dust concentration may be a valuable predictor for personal endotoxin concentration in the sites studied.
Conclusions
Workers at composting sites are exposed to high levels of bacterial endotoxin consistent with adverse respiratory outcomes even though in most cases, their personal dust exposure is below the suggested regulatory levels. DoseâÂÂresponse data for the biological components present in the dust encountered at composting sites are not well established at this time and site operators should adopt precautionary measures when assessing and managing these potential risks.
Waste Management
Volume 31, Issue 3, March 2011 Pages 423 - 430
Workersâ exposure to dust, endotoxin and ?-(1âÂÂ3) glucan at four large-scale composting facilities
P. Sykes, R.H.K. Morris, J.A. Allen, J.D. Wildsmith, K.P. Jones
To obtain a copy of this research please contact Dr. Peter Sykes (psykes@cardiffmet.ac.uk)
visitor comments
Members' Area
Become a Member!
Join the Organics Recycling Group at the Renewable Energy Association by clicking below.