engleski

Exposure to endotoxin and dust mites in cabins of fishing-boats and ferry-boats- preliminary results

Our previous study established differences in house dust endotoxin and dust mite allergens levels from households in inland (continental) and coastal (Mediterranean) region of Croatia. Investigations related to these pollutants in other indoor environments, including different occupational settings, are in progress. The aim of this study was to establish the exposure to endotoxin and dust mite allergens in fishing-boats and ferry-boats located at the Adriatic coast of Croatia. Dust samples were collected from cabins of three fishing-boats and two ferry-boats. In each fishing-boat, samples were collected from the floor and mattresses, and in ferry-boats only from floors. Endotoxin levels were measured by end-point chromogenic LAL assay, and pyroglyphid mite allergens Der p 1 and Der f 1 were analyzed by immunoenzymatic test (DustscreenTM, Switzerland). In dust samples from mattresses in fishing-boats, endotoxin levels were 11, 45 and 18 EU/mg, Der p 1 levels were 10, 0.1 and 9 mcg/g, and Der f 1 levels were 0.2, 0 and 6 mcg/g respectively. In floor dust samples from fishing-boats, endotoxin levels were 8, 72 and 100 EU/mg, while detectable levels of Der p 1 and Der f 1, were found only in the third listed fishing-boat (0.25 and 0, 10 mcg/g respectively). In floor dust samples from ferry-boats, endotoxin levels were 22 and 41 EU/mg, and Der p 1 and Der f 1 levels were undetectable. These preliminary results suggest relatively high exposure to analyzed indoor pollutants only in fishing-boats compared to our findings in general indoor environment in the same region. These are the first results related to occupational exposure to endotoxin and dust mite allergens for fishermen. Further study is necessary to confirm these findings and need for implementation of measures for reducing endotoxin and dust mite allergen levels in this particular occupational setting.

endotoxin; dust mites; fishing-boat; ferry-boat; fishermen

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