Download The Findit App

Share Your Posts On These Major Social Networks

Instatag Your Posts to Instagram Facebook + Twitter

News

Indoor Exposure to Endotoxins …A Health Hazard

The main source of endotoxin contamination in indoor environments is the result of infestation of Gram-negative bacteria. The sources of Gram-negative bacteria in a closed environment may include water intrusion, condensation in air conditioning units, cooling towers, humidifiers, organic dust, biofilms in toilets and in bathrooms, and other microbial materials.

Clearwater 4/26/2012 9:23:21 PM

Out of various indoor contaminants, bacterial endotoxin may illicit significant health and hygiene effects.  The bacterial endotoxin is a biochemical substance composed of a protein, lipid, and polysaccharide molecule known as LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) and/or LOS (Lipooligosaccharide) and is generally found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria.  These substances are released into the ambient environment after the lysis of the bacterial cell wall, which contains them. Some Gram-positive bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes may also produce an endotoxin-like substance.

Indoor Environment and Endotoxin

The main source of endotoxin contamination in indoor environments is the result of infestation of Gram-negative bacteria.  The sources of Gram-negative bacteria in a closed environment may include water intrusion, condensation in air conditioning units, cooling towers, humidifiers, organic dust, biofilms in toilets and in bathrooms, and other microbial materials.  The common Gram-negative bacteria of indoor environments that may produce endotoxin are, but are not limited to the species of: Pseudomonas, Alcaligenes, Citrobacter, Escherichia, Klebsiella, Vibrio, Salmonella, Haemophilus, Shigella, Neisseria, Bordetella, etc.  

Endotoxin Levels in Indoor Environments

There is no universally accepted guideline for endotoxin in indoor environments.  The concentrations of endotoxins in the indoor environment range from a few to several thousand endotoxin units per milligram of house dust as per a report by the WHO.  In the United States, an average background level of endotoxin is generally below 1 EU/m3.  According to a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the average indoor endotoxin concentration of 5.9 EU/m3 was recorded from the New Orleans community in 2005.  However, the health effects due to endotoxin may vary from individual to individual depending upon immunity and other factors. Exposure to endotoxin levels with 28 EU/m3 may cause long term health effects.

Health and Hygiene Effects of Endotoxins

Water damage and dampness problems in a building may lead to the presence of endotoxin.  Endotoxin can also be associated with BRS (Building Related Symptoms).  The endotoxin inhalation has been implicated in organic dust toxic syndrome, bysinnosis, and illness in agriculture-confined workers, such as swine-confinement.  This toxin may cause powerful inflammatory reactions in humans with flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, headaches, and respiratory distress.  The inhalation exposure of endotoxin is linked to the increased risk of respiratory infections, airway inflammation, asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in workers is also linked to endotoxin exposure.  Basically, with this condition the function of the lungs drops down and is irreversible.  Lung function drops down even with a short exposure of an endotoxin level of 45 EU/m3.  Endotoxin may also cause endotoxemia in humans, which can lead to septic shock in cases where the immune response is severely pronounced.

Environmental Sampling for Endotoxin Tests

Air, fluid, and bulk samples can be collected from indoor environments for endotoxin tests.  All the collection devices shall be free from endotoxin or the material that binds with endotoxin.  During the time of sample collection, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is essential and highly recommended to prevent the cross-contamination, as well as endotoxin exposure to the technician or the person collecting the sample. The collected samples should be stored desiccated wherever possible or stored at 4° C.

  • Air sampling: Air samples may be collected by using a low volume pump that has been calibrated to 1.5 liters per minute for four hours by drawing the air through a tubing free on an endotoxin-free polystyrene cassettes with 37mm diameter 0.2 µm polycarbonate membrane filters and AP40 glass-fiber backing pads.  
  • Fluid sampling: Collect a portion of suspected fluid (up to 100 ml) in a glass or polystyrene container that is free from endotoxin.
  • Bulk sampling: By using the aseptic technique, collect the suspected bulk material and place it into a polystyrene bags that is free from endotoxin.  A gauze or swab (made out of sterile endotoxin-free material) sample may also be collected for testing.  Wipe or swab approximately 6” x 6” area by covering horizontally and vertically.  Endotoxin-free water can also be used to moisten the sampling media for an effective collection.

It is highly encouraged and recommended to collect the blank samples for quality control as well as for test validation.  

Endotoxin Testing  

The detection of endotoxin in an environmental sample is performed based on a biochemical reaction known as lysate coagulation.  Limulus blood is used as a supply of pure lystate that is extremely sensitive to endotoxin.  In the presence of endotoxin the coagulation reaction happens.  The Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) uses the LAL method as described above for endotoxin detection. 

Removal of Endotoxin from Indoor Environments

Endotoxin removal from the indoor environment is not an easy task.  A scope of work for endotoxin removal requires information about the contaminated place which includes, but is not limited to, biological, a-biological and environmental factors.  Since the endotoxin is a heat stable compound, its breakdown is not easily accomplished with simple steam cleaning techniques.  Results of chemical remediation of endotoxin are not well established.  Green technology is often recommended for the remediation of endotoxin as it has minimal residual or environmental impact. 

For environmental cleaning of endotoxins in evaporator coils and AHU’s the best way for treatment is the Pure-Steam Coil Cleaning process a green technology.  For cleaning of contaminated furnishings, clothing, belongings, etc.. may be treated with HEPA cleaning and sanitizing with nano-molecular treatments.

DIY Test Kits or Hiring an IEQ Professional:

Your potential home or office IEQ can be evaluated for endotoxins and/or by using a number of testing methods.  These samples can be collected by “do-it-yourself” test kits or by hiring an IEQ professional. All the collected samples should be sent to a qualified, AIHA accredited laboratory for the analysis.  The results obtained can efficiently be used for managing the concerned environment.

A more comprehensive environmental assessment can also be performed by a specialized, credentialed professional indoor environmental consultant. Call the pros at Pure Air Control services-Building Sciences team at800-422-7873, Ext. 802 to discuss your next IEQ project.

About Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab):

Established in 1994, Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDLab) is the industry leader of indoor environmental laboratory analytics under the direction of Dr. Rajiv Sahay, FAIS, CIAQP

The parent company, Pure Air Control Services is a international environmental firm performing the following IAQ services: Building Sciences Evaluation; Building Health Check; EDLab an AIHA accredited Environmental Microbiology Laboratory, Environmental Project Management; and Mold Remediation Services, among other indoor environmental services.

The company’s expanding client roster includes: FAA, USACE, General Services Administration (GSA); Allstate Insurance; Carrier Air Conditioning; Naval Air Warfare Center, Orlando; and Naval Air Station - King's Bay, Georgia, Walt Disney World, and many other Fortune 500 companies, school boards, and city, state, and county governments, making Pure Air Control Services the reliable industry leader in IAQ.

For more information on EDLab, Pure Air Control Services, Inc. please contact Dr. Rajiv Sahay or Alan Wozniak at (800) 422-7873, or visit www.pureaircontrols.com.

###

More News

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1554371_7081_070314103226.jpg

IAQ Test Kits (DIY), PURE-Steam Coil Cleaning and PURE-Decon Room Treatment Showcased at the Annual FRACCA Conference

This annual event provides an opportunity for licensed contractors throughout the State of Florida to obtain all 14 state-required hours of continuing education over the course of the two-day event.

Released On: 3/8/2014
Views: 4217

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1549763_7081_030314101742.jpg

Free Legionella Webinar: Detection & Identification Workshop

Although this type of bacteria was around before1976, more illness from Legionnaires' disease is being detected now. Due to consumer awareness, added research and technological advances in healthcare Legionnaires disease identification is becomi ...

Released On: 3/4/2014
Views: 4038

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1541368_7081_180214022446.jpg

Why Some High-Performance Buildings Are Failing?

Performance of a building depends on its structured integrity, preventive maintenance, as well as periodical monitoring of the environmental conditions essential for its functionality.

Released On: 2/19/2014
Views: 4060

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1540686_7081_170214032311.jpg

Legionnaire’s – What You Should Know About The Potential Deadly Bacteria

According to Building Operating Management magazine, expert Victor Yu, MD, Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh; Chief, Infectious Disease Section, VA Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, disclosed that “Up to 70% of all buildings greater t ...

Released On: 2/18/2014
Views: 3625

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1521790_7081_220114070900.jpg

Managing of Indoor Environments: Problems and Solutions - IEQ WEBINAR


Released On: 1/22/2014
Views: 3519

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1511240_7081_070114124547.jpg

Save Energy and Improve Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) with PURE-Steam Deep Coil Cleaning

High efficiency coils are extremely susceptible to blockage from dust accumulation because once lodged deeply within the fins bacteria and mold may initiate growth, which not only compounds the blockage problems but also gives rise to excessive o ...

Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 6295

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1511232_7081_070114123357.jpg

January is National Radon Action Month

Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in soil and water.

Released On: 1/8/2014
Views: 3968

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1505340_7081_301213112312.jpg

Why indoor air quality is important to all of us?

World Health Organization (WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality, 2009) concluded that the most important effect is increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma, as well as perturbation of the immunological systems

Released On: 12/31/2013
Views: 3996

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1497580_7081_191213014839.jpg

Pure Air Control Services Launches New Interactive Website

The website is a true indoor environmental resource for the private and public sector including consumers, educational facilities e.g. schools, universities, along with city, county state and federal governments, healthcare and the public sector.

Released On: 12/20/2013
Views: 3030

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1491172_7081_101213015934.jpg

Pure Air Control Services Awarded Certification from Doctor Trusted

“We are very proud to have been given the opportunity to display that we are a Doctor Trusted recipient. We will continue as always to help provide our customers with a great products and services,” stated Dr. Rajiv Sahay, environmental analytica ...

Released On: 12/11/2013
Views: 3958

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1486804_7081_041213092709.jpg

IndoorAirTest.com Receives Seal of Approval by Doctor Trusted

IndoorAirtest.com is very proud to have a Doctor Trusted seal of approval displayed on our website, giving our customers more confidence when shopping with us.

Released On: 12/4/2013
Views: 4376

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1441720_7081_011013035144.jpg

PURE-Decon/Sanosil, Reduces Sick Days Caused by Infection


Released On: 10/2/2013
Views: 3313

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1432264_7081_180913092550.jpg

Controlling Asthma & Allergy Triggers Through Source Identification

The assessment of allergens in a house dust sample is an essential step for allergen-avoidance and provides information essential for allergen-reducing measures, in addition to managing the indoor environment from a health and hygiene point of view

Released On: 9/18/2013
Views: 5397

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1394465_7081_310713091424.jpg

Hospitals Get a “Clean Bill of Health” with Innovative IAQ/Energy Solutions

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions.

Released On: 7/31/2013
Views: 4434

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1383403_7081_160713052448.jpg

How Safe is Formaldehyde in our Buildings and Homes?


Released On: 7/17/2013
Views: 4680

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1381447_7081_100713012849.jpg

Commercial Energy Solutions Seminar July 26, 2013


Released On: 7/11/2013
Views: 4748

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1368735_7081_260613123754.jpg

Health Risks Associated With Indoor Microbes

Some common and frequently reported microbes of the indoor environment include, but are not limited to, viruses, bacteria, mycoplasma, mold (fungi), yeast, protozoa, etc.

Released On: 6/26/2013
Views: 5920

https://s3.amazonaws.com/findit-pictures/7081/1366510_7081_190613125124.jpg

Aspergillosis: A Cause for Indoor Concerns?

In indoor environments, this fungus can be transported from outside or may propagate on building materials such as cellulose rich sheet rocks, etc. and can generally be isolated from floors, carpets, mattress dust, Heating Ventilation Air Conditi ...

Released On: 6/19/2013
Views: 10477

Load More wait

Map

Pure Air Control, Services, Inc.

Get Directions

Pure Air Control, Services, Inc.

  • 4911 Creekside Drive
    Clearwater, Florida 33760
    United States
  • 1 (800) 422-7873