Combined Assessment of Particulate Matter, Bioaerosols, and Pulmonary Function Tests for Evaluating Occupational Risks in Podiatrists

Podiatrists often perform intricate procedures, such as diabetic foot debridement, onychomycosis treatment, and custom insole fabrication, which expose them to inhalation hazards like fine dust and bioaerosols generated during nail and tissue grinding. This study conducted measurements of PM₄ (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 4 µm) and bioaerosols in five podiatry clinics and three office working areas. The NIOSH Method 600 was used for PM₄ sampling, while NIOSH Method 800 was employed for bioaerosol sampling in these environments. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFT) were administered to 23 podiatrists and 19 office workers. Podiatrists were found to face significantly higher exposure risks to particulate matter and bioaerosols compared to office workers. This is the first study to integrate pulmonary function tests, indoor ambient bioaerosol, and particulate matter measurements in podiatry clinics. PM₄ levels exceeded those in office environments by 3–5 times, while bioaerosol levels were 3–4 times higher. Among the podiatry clinics, the lowest bacterial concentration in summer and the lowest fungal concentration in winter were observed in the clinic equipped with only one aspirator system. PFT analysis revealed notable differences between podiatrists and office workers with similar smoking habits. A negative correlation was identified between PFT results and bacterial and PM₄ concentrations in the workplace environment, indicating that as PM₄ and bacterial concentrations increased, certain PFT spirometry tests decreased (DLCO, FEF_25-75, FEV₁, FVC). Taken together, these findings suggest that the presence of bioaerosols and PM₄ in the workplace may impact employee health. Utilizing aspirator systems and low-speed debridement equipment in podiatry clinics may positively influence PFT results. Further studies may be warranted to explore the significant decline in PFTs among young podiatrists, with smoking habits similar to those of office workers.