B2: Rediscovering Endotoxin Testing for Bioaerosol Risk Assessment

Kansas City Convention Center 

Room: 3501 D 

CM Credit Hours: 1 

The Health Council of the Netherlands proposed an occupational exposure level of 90 EU per m3 for endotoxins in 1998, recognizing the relationship between bacterial endotoxins exposure and lung disease. Endotoxin testing is widely used for pharmaceutical applications. There has been little interest in using the test for bioaerosols and occupational risk assessment. Endotoxin testing has been recognized in the second edition of the ACGIH Bioaerosols (red) book which is devoting a chapter to endotoxins. Occupational settings where exposure to endotoxins should be monitored include, but are not limited to: a) metal machining, b) various farming operations, c) composting facilities, d) wastewater plants, and e) waste collection. The challenges impeding the use of endotoxin testing are a) understanding the use and limitations of the method; and b) the lack of standardization for sampling and testing. In this presentation, we discuss: 1) available endotoxin test methods; 2) where and how to sample for endotoxins; and 3) the interpretation of endotoxin concentrations for the purpose of occupational risk assessment.

Upon completion, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize where endotoxin sampling is meaningful for exposure evaluation.
• Leverage international standards and guidance on endotoxin sampling.
• Integrate endotoxin testing when performing exposure risk assessments.
• Plan sampling strategies and conduct sample collection.
• Avoid using tests in situations with no value to the customer. 

Intermediate

Q&A

Consulting

Agriculture, Forestry, & Fishing

Manufacturing

Public Utilities

Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand

Laboratory Health and Safety

Risk Assessment and Management

Sampling and Analysis