title: Comparison of endotoxin levels and gram-negative bacteria under different conditions in microbial laboratories and a biowaste site.
abstract: In this study, we assessed airborne endotoxin levels in university laboratories, hospital diagnostic laboratories, and a biowaste site. We also investigated indoor and outdoor sampling, sampling site, type of ventilation system, presence of open biowaste boxes, weather, and detection of Gram-negative bacteria (GNB). A total of 69 air samples were collected from 11 facilities in three institutions. Average total airborne endotoxin levels ranged from <0.01 to 10.02 EU m(-3), with an overall mean of 1.03 EU m(-3). Endotoxin levels were high in window-ventilated facilities, in facilities in which GNB were detected; levels were also high when it was rainy (all ps<0.05). Endotoxin levels were significantly correlated with humidity (r=0.70, p<0.01). The presence of HVAC; humidity; and the presence of open biowaste boxes affect endotoxin levels in laboratories.
authors: Institute of Health and Environment, School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Gwanak 599, Gwanak-ro, Seoul 151-742, South Korea.
authors: Sung Ho
authors: SH
authors: Hwang
authors: Dong Uk
authors: DU
authors: Park
authors: Se Ik
authors: SI
authors: Joo
authors: Hyun Hee
authors: HH
authors: Park
authors: Chung Sik
authors: CS
authors: Yoon
mesh_terms: D000391:Air Microbiology; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006090:Gram-Negative Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D007753:Laboratories; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D014691:Ventilation
chemical_list: D004731:Endotoxins; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal