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Survival of Microorganisms on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices Used at Agricultural Facilities

Author

Listed:
  • Anita Jachowicz

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-924 Łódź, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Majchrzycka

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland)

  • Justyna Szulc

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-924 Łódź, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Okrasa

    (Department of Personal Protective Equipment, Central Institute for Labour Protection—National Research Institute, Wierzbowa 48, 90-133 Łódź, Poland)

  • Beata Gutarowska

    (Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Wólczańska 171/173, 90-924 Łódź, Poland)

Abstract

Bioaerosol is a threat at workplaces, therefore the selection and safe use of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) is important in preventive activities. The aim of the study was to assess the survival of microorganisms on materials used for FFRs construction. The parameters for microorganism growth under model conditions were described using the Gompertz equation, model verification was also carried out using FFRs at the farmers’ workplaces. We found that the factors determining a high survival of microorganisms were as follows: moisture corresponding to the conditions of use and storage of FFRs at workplaces, the presence of sweat and organic dust; inorganic dust and addition of biocide in nonwovens limited the growth of microorganisms, resulting in a shortening of the stationary growth phase and decreased cell numbers (5–6 log). Dust concentration at workplaces was higher than EU occupational exposure limit values and WHO recommendations for airborne particulate matter. Microbial contaminations of the air (10 3 –10 4 CFU/m 3 ), settled dust (10 4 –10 6 CFU/g) and FFRs (10 5 CFU/4cm 2 ) during the grain harvest were high, the main contamination being bacteria (actinomycetes, Pseudomonas fluorescens ) and xerophilic fungi. A high correlation was found between the number of microorganisms and the weight of dust on FFRs (R 2 = 0.93–0.96).

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Jachowicz & Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Justyna Szulc & Małgorzata Okrasa & Beata Gutarowska, 2019. "Survival of Microorganisms on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices Used at Agricultural Facilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:16:p:2819-:d:255559
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beata Gutarowska & Justyna Szulc & Adriana Nowak & Anna Otlewska & Małgorzata Okrasa & Anita Jachowicz & Katarzyna Majchrzycka, 2018. "Dust at Various Workplaces—Microbiological and Toxicological Threats," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Justyna Skóra & Beata Gutarowska, 2016. "Evaluation of the Survivability of Microorganisms Deposited on Filtering Respiratory Protective Devices under Varying Conditions of Humidity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-13, January.
    3. Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Małgorzata Okrasa & Anita Jachowicz & Justyna Szulc & Beata Gutarowska, 2018. "Microbial Growth on Dust-Loaded Filtering Materials Used for the Protection of Respiratory Tract as a Factor Affecting Filtration Efficiency," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-18, September.
    4. Justyna Szulc & Anna Otlewska & Małgorzata Okrasa & Katarzyna Majchrzycka & Michael Sulyok & Beata Gutarowska, 2017. "Microbiological Contamination at Workplaces in a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Station Processing Plant Biomass," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, January.
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