Enumeration of airborne micro‐organisms in work environments

Abstract More than 106 micro‐organisms m−3 and sometimes as many as 1010 m−3 can occur in the air of working environments. When inhaled, these can cause occupational allergies or other lung disease. Efficient air sampling methods are needed to determine their numbers and types and to assess their allergenicity. Three methods have been used to collect viable airborne micro‐organisms in work environments. Their relative efficiencies and suitability are compared and examples of concentrations of airborne micro‐organisms in work environments given.

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