EVALUATION AND CONTROL OF WORKER EXPOSURE TO FUNGI IN A BEET SUGAR REFINERY

A study of worker exposure to airborne fungi was undertaken in a sugar beet refinery to evaluate the level of exposure and to determine if c ontrols could be implemented that would lower these exposures. A previ ous study at this refinery identified one worker who reacted on challe nge testing to the moldy but not the fresh sugar beet pulp, had specif ic Immunoglobulin G to Aspergillus niger, and specific Immunoglobulin E to Aspergillus. Also, two employees were diagnosed with occupational asthma. In the study reported here, two field surveys were conducted, the first during the sugar production campaign (January) and the seco nd during postproduction cleanup and maintenance (June). Approximately 65 personal and area air samples were collected on polycarbonate filt ers and the culturable fungal spores were identified and enumerated. T his study showed high exposure of pellet loaders and pellet silo worke rs to various species of Aspergillus. Other fungal species that might pose a health hazard were detected. Exposures to fungi during the post production cleanup and maintenance phase were much higher than those m easured during the production campaign. Engineering controls that woul d reduce employee exposure are discussed.