Concentration of Particulate Matter and Fungal Bioaerosols of the Economic Mushroom Farms
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Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to study the concentration of particulate matter and fungal bioaerosols of the Lingzhi, Oyster, Fossil, and Hungary mushroom farms, in Rayong province which are in 16 farms of The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The particulate matter was determined by the Turnkey Dustmate monitor. Air samples were collected with NIOSH method 0800 BIOAEROSOL SAMPLING (indoor air). The result found that the average of PM10 within four mushroom-growing homes exceeded the Department of Health rule but did not surpass ACGIH or OSHA standards. The Hungary mushroom farms had the highest concentration of fungi 904.03 ±143.57 CFU/m3, followed by Lingzhi, Oyster and Fossil farms, respectively. Fungi concentrations in all the mushroom farms exceed the Department of Health's guidelines. These fungi were Aspergillus sp., Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. and Curvularia sp. They can cause respiratory tract infectious diseases in workers exposed to high amounts of airborne fungi or immunocompromised. These findings could be used as a guideline for improving and monitoring the quality of indoor air, particularly dust and fungi, to prevent or lessen the risk of sickness caused by workers' prolonged exposure to the air.
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