Exposure to Occupational Biological Hazard in Long-Term Care Facilities in Taipei

• Main Authors: Wu Hsin-Chiao, 吳欣橋
• Other Authors: Chao Hsing
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2006
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/98605706064885979947

碩士 === 臺北醫學大學 === 公共衛生學系 === 94 === We investigated five long-term care facilities in Taipei, Taiwan to evaluate the distributions of biological contaminants and to assess workers’ exposure to these contaminants. We conducted a one-week intensive environmental sampling at each study facility. We monitored culturable fungi and bacteria in indoor air, near AC (air conditioning) diffusers and outdoors, as well as temperature, relative humidity and CO2 levels. Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants concurrently with the environmental sampling to collect information on workers’ demographic data, medical and contact history, perceived work-related symptoms and work environment, and practices of personal protection. Facilities D and E had the highest (1444.32 CFU/m3) and lowest (426.69 CFU/m3) fungal concentrations respectively among the study facilities. Facilities C and D had higher bacterial levels (811.83 CFU/m3 and 802.42 CFU/m3, respectively) than other study facilities, and facility E had the lowest bacterial level (282.12 CFU/m3). The most prevalent fungi recovered in study facilities included Non-Sporulating Fungi, Geotrichum, Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus. In multiple regression analyses, fungal levels were associated with relative humidity, sampling time and building age. Bacterial concentrations were correlated with CO2 levels, number of people in the sampling site, and facilities. Work-related diseases had significant associations with age, using disinfectants, turning over patients, number of cases cared per day, environmental temperature, and airborne fungi and bacteria. Work-related symptoms were correlated with age, number of cases cared per day, ventilation and environmental factors (e.g., concentrations of airborne fungi and bacteria). In summary, biological exposure in the study facilities mainly resulted from inadequate environmental and AC/HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system cleaning and insufficient ventilation rate. Therefore, better cleaning programs and proper ventilation should be implemented in long term care facilities to decrease residents and workers’ biological exposures and health risks.