Endotoxins: An indoor air and settled dust survey. J. Dobranic, Ph.D.* & S. Cappuccio, B.Sc. EMSL Analytical, Inc. Tel:

Introduction Evaluate and compare fungal contamination in air and surface samples with endotoxin in accumulated dust.Evaluate and compare fungal contamination in air and surface samples with endotoxin in accumulated dust. Dust may represent cumulative exposure to endotoxin.Dust may represent cumulative exposure to endotoxin.

Endotoxin Pyrogenic, cell wall component (lipopolysaccharide) of Gram-negative bacteria.Pyrogenic, cell wall component (lipopolysaccharide) of Gram-negative bacteria. Heat-stableHeat-stable

Endotoxin Elevated airborne concentrations are prevalent in sewage treatment plantsElevated airborne concentrations are prevalent in sewage treatment plants swine operationsswine operations cotton textile millscotton textile mills poultry housespoultry houses water damaged buildingswater damaged buildings

Health Effects Produces airway inflammation (wheezing)Produces airway inflammation (wheezing) Associated with increased severity of child and adult asthmaAssociated with increased severity of child and adult asthma Exposure during childhood may reduce allergic responses later in lifeExposure during childhood may reduce allergic responses later in life Cause of Humidifier FeverCause of Humidifier Fever

Materials and Methods Various fungal samples based on IAQ investigation.Various fungal samples based on IAQ investigation. –Spore traps and surface samples

Materials & Methods 12 homes sampled in NJ & PA.12 homes sampled in NJ & PA. 3 endotoxin samples collected in each dwelling3 endotoxin samples collected in each dwelling –Kitchen floor, Sofa, Living Room floor, Bedroom floor, Bedroom bed, basement.

Materials & Methods Specifications:Specifications:  0.45µm Polycarbonate Filter  37mm Styrene Housing  Sterilized by Irradiation  Endotoxin Free Sift dust through 350 micron sieveSift dust through 350 micron sieve Kinetic Chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay (EU – endotoxin units)Kinetic Chromogenic Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay (EU – endotoxin units)

Horseshoe Crab Harvest

Blood Collection

Results Surface sample:Surface sample: –9 out of 12 homes had visible mould growth inside (Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Penicillium, and Stachybotrys) Spore traps:Spore traps: –8 out of 12 had > indoor spore counts vs outdoors

Results Endotoxin:Endotoxin: –Mouldy: EU/mg dust –Non-Mouldy: EU/mg dust Published range is EU/mg dustPublished range is EU/mg dust

Results

Conclusions Mouldiness in homes was not a good predictor of endotoxin levels.Mouldiness in homes was not a good predictor of endotoxin levels. Similar conclusion in published studies comparing endotoxin in air with mouldiness.Similar conclusion in published studies comparing endotoxin in air with mouldiness. Suspicion of GNB contamination requires directed endotoxin testing.Suspicion of GNB contamination requires directed endotoxin testing.

Endotoxin Predictors in Literature Positively correlated with presence of a dog or past presence of a dog.Positively correlated with presence of a dog or past presence of a dog. Positively correlated with use of a cool-mist humidifierPositively correlated with use of a cool-mist humidifier Negatively correlated with use of a dehumidifier.Negatively correlated with use of a dehumidifier.

Acknowledgements Marc Leftwich and Bob Woodward at AMT Mold Testing in PA.Marc Leftwich and Bob Woodward at AMT Mold Testing in PA. EMSL’s clients for participation.EMSL’s clients for participation.

Contact Information Jason Dobranic, Ph.D.Jason Dobranic, Ph.D. –EMSL Analytical, Inc. –107 Haddon Ave. Westmont, NJ –Tel: –