Airborne Fungi in a Bakery and the Prevalence of Respiratory Dysfunction among Workers

Concentrations of fungi in different sections of a bakery in Delhi were studied for two years (May 1989–April 1991). Andersen Volumetric and Burkard Personal Slide samplers, were used to collect samples at 10 day intervals. Aspergilli/penicillia, smuts and Cladosporium spp. predominated, contributing about 90% of the total fungi. Aspergillus flavus was characteristic in the storage section and Aspergillus niger in the packing section. In general, concentrations inside the bakery were higher than in the outdoor air. Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Alternaria spp. and ustilaginales were predominant in the summer months, whereas Cladosporium spp., Penicillium citrinum and Penicillium chrysogenum were prevalent in winter. The seasonal differences observed in the first year were seen again in the second year. A survey of the prevalence of respiratory dysfunction among the bakery workers (n=279) revealed that 40.1% of the workers were suffering from respiratory disorders and 8.2% had a family history of respiratory disorders. The prevalence of various symptoms was: cough with phlegm, 37.5%; cough without phlegm, 16.1%; breathlessness/wheeze, 34.7%; rhinitis, 53.6%; conjunctivitis, 20.5%; eczema, 16.1%. Age, period of association with the job and smoking habits significantly influence the incidence of breathlessness, rhinitis and cough (p<0.05). Thirtynine individuals reported their symptoms to be work related, of which 35 reported aggravation of symptoms during work hours.