Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

Health Effects From Biological Contaminants

As per the US EPA's website - Some biological contaminants trigger allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, and some types of asthma. Infectious illnesses, such as influenza, measles, and chicken pox are transmitted through the air. Molds and mildews release disease-causing toxins. Symptoms of health problems caused by biological pollutants include sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, lethargy, fever, and digestive problems.

Allergic reactions occur only after repeated exposure to a specific biological allergen. However, that reaction may occur immediately upon re-exposure or after multiple exposures over time. As a result, people who have noticed only mild allergic reactions, or no reactions at all, may suddenly find themselves very sensitive to particular allergens.

Some diseases, like humidifier fever, are associated with exposure to toxins from microorganisms that can grow in large building ventilation systems. However, these diseases can also be traced to microorganisms that grow in home heating and cooling systems and humidifiers. Children, elderly people, and people with breathing problems, allergies, and lung diseases are particularly susceptible to disease-causing biological agents in the indoor air.

Mold, dust mites, pet dander, and pest droppings or body parts can trigger asthma. Biological contaminants, including molds and pollens can cause allergic reactions for a significant portion of the population. Tuberculosis, measles, staphylococcus infections, Legionella and influenza are known to be transmitted by air.

Source: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/biologic.html

Fiberglass Training Guide

The eLCOSH website provides a Fiberglass Training Guide (Taken from the "Tailgate Meetings that Work : A Guide to Effective Construction Safety Training" series). Some of the information contained on the site includes:

What symptoms can you get if you work around fiberglass?

Skin and eye contact: In addition to itching, fiberglass can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. Some people get “fiberglass warts,” a type of skin inflammation. The fibers can also irritate your eyes and even cause serious eye injury if you don’t get proper treatment.

Breathing: Inhaled fibers may cause coughing, throat irritation, bronchitis, or lung irritation. Small fibers can stick deep in your lungs. Long-term exposure to high concentrations of these fibers may possibly lead to permanent lung disease.


These tailgate/toolbox talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/elcosh/docs/d0200/d000257/d000257.html