Occupational Microbial Risk among Embalmers

Embalmers are exposed to many pathogens present in bodily fluids. However, the risk posed by these has yet be defined terms of nature hazard and intensity exposure. The objective this project was monitor exposure embalmers biological particles real time characterize microbiota found air during embalming activities three thanatopraxy laboratories. An innovative approach, using a laser-induced fluorescence aerosol spectrometer (WIBS-NEO), made it possible measure concentrations particle size distributions aerosols (biological non-biological) emitted embalming. At same time, an Andersen impactor used sample culturable perform its characterization. preferential aerosolization (fluorescent) fraction procedures, which compared non-biological (non-fluorescent) fraction, showed that most tasks performed embalmer likely lead microbial via bioaerosols. measured represented equivalent 2000 10,000 inhaled per minute. Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis not identified study, presence Streptococcus pneumoniae some samples demonstrated if pathogen is lungs deceased can aerosolized embalmers. distribution high proportion small produced their work. Thus, respirable/total ratios calculated between 58% 78%. Finally, detection airborne Enterobacter, Serratia, Leclercia, Hafnia tended demonstrate intestinal bacteria inhalation or ingestion. Due difficulty identifying pathogenic agents before embalming, faecal air, proximity body, limitations associated with dilution contaminants general ventilation near field, local must provided. Otherwise, minimally, fitted N95-type respirator should recommended.