Recent advances on BioPM sampling techniques and characterization

Abstract

There is scientific evidence that associates occupational exposure to bioaerosols (bacteria and fungi) in the waste industry with health outcomes. Among fungi, Aspergillus is the most prevalent genera in waste-sorting, incineration, and composting. This study highlights the need for thorough exposure assessment in the waste-sorting industry. High-throughput sequencing can be used, in parallel with other molecular tools and culture based-methods, for a deeper understanding of the exposure data. The broad spectrum of microbial contamination detected in this study demonstrates that adequate monitoring of bioaerosol exposure is necessary to evaluate and minimize health risks.