128 Contribution of a Multi-Exposure Measurement Strategy on the Documentation of Cheese Workers' Exposures to Biological and Chemical Agents

Abstract

Abstract A large-scale measurement campaign (9 days, more than 400 measurements) was conducted to characterise the exposure of cheese workers involved in maturing and packaging. Airborne microbial and chemical agents were measured in a company producing different types of cheeses. Several air pollutants were investigated (culturable microorganisms, total particles, carbon dioxide, ammonia, VOCs etc.) by mean of ambient and personal measurements. A massive emission of particles into the air was found for tasks involving the brushing of a category of cheeses, with significant personal exposures to culturable fungi (up to 108 CFU/m3_filter cassettes_2L/min). Dominant fungi belonged to Penicillium species with allergenic potential. Ripening rooms can contain high concentrations of carbon dioxide and several tasks performed in them have shown high individual exposures levels (instantaneous concentration up to 10 000 ppmv_ToxiRAE Pro CO2 portable detector). High relative air humidity (> 95%) was also found in the ripening rooms. Real-time measurement of airborne particles (FIDAS Frog particle counter) and gases (FTIR Gasmet™ gas analyser) allowed the identification of events (ventilation, door opening, etc.) that could affect pollutant concentrations and flows. The observed exposure of cheese worker to funig represents an immuno-allergic risk and their exposure to carbon dioxide appeals attention. The multiple nature of exposure raises questions about the technical and organisational mitigation strategies to implement. The multi-exposure measurement strategy deployed in the company proved to be relevant and allowed for a more comprehensive risk assessment. It provided valuable information for formulating prevention recommendations appropriate to the situation. A study including several cheese companies is in course.