Bioaerosols, expposure and occupational risk

Bio aerosols are airborne particles containing living microorganisms: bacteria and fungi or substances produced by these microorganisms, namely: mycotoxins, endotoxins, allergens and B-glucans. They have an infectious nature and have adverse health effects.

These microorganisms are ubiquitous in the environment and in the workplace. They affect the quality of indoor air and are very important risk factors for a number of chronic diseases and respiratory symptoms. Several areas of activity pose a risk of the presence of high concentrations of bioaerosols in the air due to the presence of several sources of pollution and contamination, in particular the hospital sector, purification stations (wastewater treatment) and offices are most affected.

Their concentrations vary according to several parameters, namely: biological and hygrothermal factors (temperature and relative humidity), the surface of the workspace (the volume of air) and the presence of ultra violet rays.