Bioaerosols - more than just allergens: complex situations at workplaces

Bioaerosols - more than just allergens: complex situations at workplaces Our breathing air does not only contain gases but also plenty of airborne particles of organic origin. These particles could affect the upper or lower respiratory tract in exposed persons and may cause irritative, toxic and/or allergic complaints. Up to now no quantification methods are available to assess the effects of bioaerosols on humans. In susceptible subjects the inhalation of allergens can be characterized by the induction of an IgE-mediated Type I sensitization. For non-allergenic components of organic dust no test systems exist that allows to assess the effect on exposed subjects. Besides indoor air exposure, especially the often quantitatively higher bioaerosol exposure at several workplaces plays an important role. For example, in agriculture, textile industry or at waste disposal workplaces complex bioaerosol exposure with variable composition occurs. Particularly with regard to the inflammatory and pyrogenic effects induced by bioaerosol inhalation only little information is available. This article summarizes options and their limits to characterize components of organic dust beyond their allergenic properties.