In this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal's largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies were used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analyzers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average ...
School environments are potential exposure scenarios to bioaerosols. Breading such contaminants can contribute to the development of respiratory infection. Most studies performed in schools regarding air quality focus on children’s health, neglecting the personal exposure of teachers and school staff. This study aims to provide a first insight into the personal exposure of teachers and school staff to bacteria ...
Poultry production intensification might influence microbial development. Concerning fungal assessment, despite the limited number of studies, several fungi have already been found in poultry pavilions. Occupational health specialists frequently overlook worker safety and biological risk assessment due to a lack of systematic knowledge regarding the agents involved. Consequently, workers, exposed to organic dus...
Azole fungicides are commonly used in sawmills to protect wood against the wood-destroying basidiomycete fungi. Azole-resistant Aspergillus section Fumigati has previously been identified in these environments. Here we aimed to establish a sampling protocol to efficiently isolate Aspergillus section Fumigati in woodworking environments. The sampling campaign was conducted between December 2022 and November 2023...
Introduction: Wood industry workers face health risks due to exposure to microorganisms and their metabolites. This study aimed to characterize seasonal microbial contamination, antifungal resistance, mycotoxins, cytotoxicity, and particulate matter in Portuguese carpentries, to reduce exposure and promote safe working conditions. Methods: Conducted in six carpentries in Lisbon, Portugal, the sampling strategy ...
In this study, indoor air quality was assessed in a store belonging to one of Portugal’s largest commercial retail groups. A variety of methodologies was used, including gravimetric analysis for particulate matter (PM), optical monitors for real-time PM measurements, gas sensors and analysers for CO2 and other gaseous pollutants, diffusion tubes for VOCs, and passive deposition for microorganisms. The average P...
This review addresses the increasing problem of fungal contamination in schools, which has a profound impact on indoor air quality and student health. Fungal contamination creates health problems such as respiratory problems, allergies, which can be particularly harmful in schools (e.g., Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium sp. are especially important as they are well-known indoor allergens and can induce seriou...
Biosafety measures are essential for maintaining animal health and workplace safety in poultry production. Poultry farm environments favor fungal growth, yet information on fungal contamination and associated health risks remains scarce. This study aimed to assess fungal and mycotoxin contamination in poultry pavilions (PP) during the poultries' growth cycle. Sampling was conducted during winter in 14 PP, Portu...
Aspergillus section Nigri, a filamentous fungus within the Aspergillus genus, proliferates in organic matter-rich environments and produces dark-pigmented spores. While recognized for its metabolic versatility and industrial applications, Aspergillus section Nigri also presents significant public health concerns, particularly in environmental and occupational settings. The fungus is known to produce mycotoxins ...
The occurrence of mycotoxins in poultry feeds is a primary problem worldwide due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic effects. This secondary metabolite generated by fungi can compromise animals' health and productivity. Monitoring mycotoxin exposure is crucial, as fungi are not reliable indicators of mycotoxin presence. This is partly because mycotoxins can remain in the environment long after the ...