Abstract:
This paper describes an exploratory study of endotoxin emissions and dispersal
from a commercial composting facility. Replicated samples of air were taken by
filtration at different locations around the facility on 10 occasions.
Measurements were made of endotoxin and associated culturable microorganisms.
The inflammatory response of cell cultures exposed to extracts from the filters
was measured. Endotoxin was detected in elevated concentrations close to
composting activities. A secondary peak, of lesser magnitude than the peak at
source was detected at 100-150 m downwind of the site boundary. Unexpectedly
high concentrations of endotoxin were measured at the most distant downwind
sampling point. Extracted endotoxin was found to stimulate human monocytes and a
human lung epithelial cell line to produce significant amounts of pro-
inflammatory cytokines. On a weight basis, endotoxin extracted from the
composting source has a greater inflammatory cytokine inducing effect than
commercial E. coli endotoxin.