Microbial Bioaerosols in the Occupational Environment: Exposure, Detection, and Disease

Abstract

In this chapter, sources and characteristics of airborne microbiological contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, are discussed in relation to their detection and health effects associated with personal exposure in the occupational environment. The impacts of microorganisms including protists and protozoans and other botanically sourced bioaerosols such as pollen are not reviewed in this chapter. The potential exposures to microbial bioaerosols and the aerodynamic behavior of these contaminants are reviewed as well as their respiratory and dermal health effects. Direct and indirect sampling methods are presented along with methods of analysis. Methods to prevent personal exposure are also provided. Keywords: aerobiology; aerodynamic behavior of microbial contaminants; allergies; bacteria; control; disease; endotoxins; fungi; infection; moisture problems; mold; mycotoxins prevention; sampling; sources; transmission