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Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Biological Air Pollutants Occurring during the Processing of Biomass for Energy Purposes: A Case Study

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  • Ewa Brągoszewska

    (Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

  • Maja Pawlak

    (Department of Technologies and Installations for Waste Management, Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, 18 Konarskiego St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland)

Abstract

The main goal of this study was to assess the levels of concentration of biological air pollutants in biomass processing power plants, based on the measurements taken in a plant located in Southern Poland. This work shows problems related to the co-combustion of biomass and indicates the health risks to which employees of positions closely related to the processing and combustion of biomass are exposed. Bacterial and fungal aerosol samples were collected using a six-stage Andersen cascade impactor with aerodynamic cut-off diameters of 7.0, 4.7, 3.3, 2.1, 1.1 and 0.65 µm (Tisch Environmental, USA). The highest average concentration level of micro-organisms was recorded in the air in the biomass analysis laboratory, where there was no constant airflow. It was found that the concentration levels of biological agents were below the Polish proposals for threshold limit values in the work environment polluted with organic dust. However, it was observed that the share of the respirable fraction (RF) of bacterial aerosol (particles less than 3.3 µm) in workplaces was equal to or higher than 50% of the total concentration, which may cause increased potentially adverse health effects and problems with concentration among power plant employees. Therefore, to ensure adequate air quality in the tested object, it is necessary to properly ventilate. This preliminary research could be the important starting point for a complete and precise assessment of bioaerosol exposures in biomass processing power plants in order to protect workers’ health.

Suggested Citation

  • Ewa Brągoszewska & Maja Pawlak, 2021. "Health Risks Associated with Occupational Exposure to Biological Air Pollutants Occurring during the Processing of Biomass for Energy Purposes: A Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-10, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:8:p:2086-:d:532738
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katarzyna Anna Koryś & Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec & Katarzyna Grotkiewicz & Maciej Kuboń, 2019. "The Review of Biomass Potential for Agricultural Biogas Production in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Jarosław Brodny & Magdalena Tutak & Saqib Ahmad Saki, 2020. "Forecasting the Structure of Energy Production from Renewable Energy Sources and Biofuels in Poland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-31, May.
    3. Renata Marks-Bielska & Stanisław Bielski & Katarzyna Pik & Krystyna Kurowska, 2020. "The Importance of Renewable Energy Sources in Poland’s Energy Mix," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Marco Filippo Torchio & Umberto Lucia & Giulia Grisolia, 2020. "Economic and Human Features for Energy and Environmental Indicators: A Tool to Assess Countries’ Progress towards Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-19, November.
    5. Rafał Baum & Karol Wajszczuk & Benedykt Pepliński & Jacek Wawrzynowicz, 2013. "Potential For Agricultural Biomass Production for Energy Purposes in Poland: a Review," Contemporary Economics, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw., vol. 7(1), March.
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