Exposure to culturable and total microbiota in cultural heritage conservation laboratories

Abstract

Objectives: To date, the scientific source materials usually focus on microbial contamination of the museum or library collections themselves, while the exposure of persons who professionally deal with this type of objects in cultural heritage conservation laboratories is ignored. Material and Methods: The study was carried out in 9 naturally ventilated conservation laboratories with no history of water damage. Viable (understood as culturable) bioaerosol stationary samples were collected in both outdoor and indoor environments using 6-stage Andersen impactor. Simultaneously, stationary and personal indoor bioaerosol measurements were carried out using both Gesamtstaubprobenahme an der Person (GSP) and Button filter samplers. These measurements were complemented by evaluation of microbial content in the dust settled on conserved works of art. All impactor, filter, and settled dust samples were quantitatively examined to obtain viable and total concentrations of bacteria and fungi. All isolated microbial strains were taxonomically identified. Results: At workplaces, the concentrations of viable microorganisms in air were below 2000 cfu/m 3 and accounted for not more than 5.5% of total microbiota. The study showed that quantitative assessment of viable bioaerosol can be made with an Andersen impactor as well as by using Button and GSP filter samplers, irrespective of whether they are applied for personal or stationary measurements. Compared to the impactor, however, the use of filter samplers for microbial contamination monitoring substantially limits the scope of qualitative information which can be obtained. Size distribution analysis revealed that the largest "load" of microorganisms can penetrate into the respiratory tract between the trachea and terminal bronchi, and thereby may be responsible for allergic inflammations in exposed workers. Conclusions: The precise assessment of microbial hazards in conservation laboratories should comprise control of both viable and total particle counts. The hermetization of such workplaces and control of relative humidity should be implemented and maintained to assure proper hygienic conditions.

Identification and characteristics of biological agents in work environment of medical emergency services in selected ambulances

“…However, these genera occurred commonly in atmospheric air, the presence of them at the workplaces may constitute potential hazards to employees (group 2 according to their level of risk of infection and allergy) [23]. Fungal quality assessment of examined workplaces is similar to results obtained by other researchers [18,[31][32][33]. Pathogenic A. fumigatus was found in swab samples from an office keyboard and an ambulance ventilation system.…”

Microbiota and Particulate Matter Assessment in Portuguese Optical Shops Providing Contact Lens Services

“…Sampling the total air concentration of particulate matter only allows a simple estimate of exposure or indoor contamination that may not correlate with observed health effects [57]. The present study obtained data related with two aerodynamic diameters, allowing a more detailed risk assessment for patients and workers.…”

Bacterial bioaerosol concentration and size distribution in the selected animal premises in a zoological garden

“…On the other hand, Qian et al (2012) observed that the concentrations of microbial particle mass in an occupied classroom of a university were about ten times higher than those observed in the outdoor air. A number of proposed hygienic standards suggest using the ratio of microbial concentrations measured inside and outside studied facilities in order to determine the admissible contamination (Górny et al 2016). According to Burge (1990), if the concentration of bioaerosol indoors exceeds 1.0 9 10 3 CFU/m 3 and persistently exceeds at least twofold the concentration found outdoors, it is necessary to take preventive measures in terms of the indoor air quality.…”