129 Sampling protocol to assess occupational exposure to microbial contamination in wood working environments

Abstract

The sawmill market is driven by rising construction demand, with building and furniture gaining prominence. Workers in the sawmill industry may be exposed to wood derivatives, microorganisms, and their products, which can cause health effects such as decreased lung function, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and various respiratory disorders. Exposure to wood dust infected with microorganisms, particularly fungi, can lead to allergic alveolitis and asthma in woodworkers. It is well known that there is a knowledge gap in the field of microbial occupational exposure assessment in sawmills, nevertheless, the importance of an accurate assessment and risk management should be emphasized. The sampling approach applied in this study comprehends several sampling methods that are used as a complement to overcome the advantages and disadvantages of each. Those methods are active sampling methods, such as Andersen six-stage, MAS-100 and Button Samplers, and passive sampling methods namely surface swabs, electrostatic dust cloths (EDC), EDC in t-shirts, settled dust, gloves and masks and filters from the vacuumed settled dust. This sampling approach was developed to be applied in wood working environment and it was meticulously developed using previously conducted bibliographic research and applied in sampling campaigns developed in “Do It Yourself” (DIY) stores with a wood cutting section, and in sawmills. With the application of this comprehensive protocol, it was possible to conclude that the use of all these sampling methods in parallel is crucial to overcome the constraints of each to allow a proper characterization of the risks to which these workers are exposed. Similar considerations should be taken to select the best lab approach.