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Microbiome of office premises and prevention of its harmful effect on office workers (review article)

Microbiome of office premises and prevention of its harmful effect on office workers (review article)

ISSN 2223-6775 Ukrainian journal of occupational health Vol.18, No 1, 2022


https://doi.org/10.33573/ujoh2022.01.063

Microbiome of office premises and prevention of its harmful effect on office workers (review article)

Leonov Yu.I.1, Nazarenko V.I.1, Myshchenko I.2
1State Institution "Kundiev Institute for Occupational Health of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kyiv
2Accredited Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland


 Full article (PDF), ENG

Introduction. Today, a large number of able to work people are engaged in office work. Office premises have their own features, in particular - the presence of air conditioning. This creates a special microclimate of these premises and saturates the air space with microflora, which can cause a variety of reactions and pathological states in workers. Bacteria (particularly staphylococci and streptococci, or even Legionella pneumophila), fungi, viruses, bacterial and fungi spores can be present in the air and on surfaces in offices. The main danger is that all these microorganisms, in excessive concentration, cause infectious diseases, atypical immune reactions, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases. It should be noted that viruses that are at increased risk during seasonal epidemic outbreaks or during a pandemic (SARS-CoV-2) are particularly dangerous in this regard. Therefore, the problem of determining the safe level of microorganisms in the air of office space is very relevant today. As a means of prevention and reduction of pollution, we can recommend, first of all, the optimization of the cleaning process, which allows you to better remove dust, which is the main source of accumulation of microflora. Constant maintenance of air conditioners and ventilation systems, in order to clean filtration systems and water settling systems. And, most importantly, the use of closed systems (recirculators) with a source of UV rays, which effectively reduces the microbial load in the air.

The aim of the study is to determine the composition of the microbiome of office space, its influence on health of employees, substantiate methods of prevention and purification of airspace.

Materials and methods of research. Analytical review of scientific publications was carried out using scientometric databases, periodicals and publications.

Results. The condition of the air in the office premises was assessed. The composition of the microbiome of these premises is considered, its most widespread representatives are characterized. An assessment of their potential danger to human health has been provided. Methods of air purification to reduce microbial load are considered.

Conclusions. The microbiome of air and surfaces of office premises is represented by bacteria, fungi, their spores, viruses, which, if the permissible concentrations are exceeded, create a danger to the health of workers. Currently in Ukraine there are no State Sanitory Norms on regulation and control of the microbiome of office premises.

Key words: office premises, microbiome, bacteria, fungi, viruses, air exchange, prevention.

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