Hazards of Bioaerosols

Aerosols are generally known as the primary means by which infectious diseases are spread and contracted. It can either be harmful or harmless, solid, or liquid particles suspended in the air. Exposures to bioaerosols in the occupational environment are associated with a wide range of health effects with major public health impacts.

What are Bioaerosols?

Aerosols consisting of particles of any kind of organism which are responsible for the transmission of airborne diseases are called bioaerosols. Droplet nuclei (1–5 μm) can stay airborne for hours, convey over long distances, and contaminate surfaces by falling. Droplets (>5 μm), on the other hand, are proven to contaminate surfaces in a range of 1 meter (3 ft).

Source and Dispersal

Aerosol production can occur if adequate precautions are not taken even when the laboratory equipment is used properly. Procedures like centrifugation, mixing operations, aspiration, and pipetting are the common activities or sources of aerosol production in the lab.

Outcome

There are many documented cases of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) worldwide resulting from the production and inhalation of bioaerosols.

The initial step in securing lab personnel is understanding aerosols, how they are generated, the risk of working with infectious agents, and utilizing a combination of the appropriate safety equipment and procedures. Lab personnel should learn and strictly follow preventive measures.Therefore, aerosol adsorber products are particularly important.