CONTENTS OF MICROSCOPIC FUNGI IN DUSTS COMING FROM CEREAL ANALYSIS LABORATORIES

Microscopic fungi - components of bioaerosol found in the workplace envi- ronment of individuals employed in the agricultural sector - constitute a considerable hazard for their health. This study includes quantitative and qualitative analyses of myco- bionta contained in 20 samples of dusts collected from laboratories conducting analyses of cereals. A total of 27 species of viable microscopic fungi were isolated. The most frequently isolated genera Penicillium and Aspergillus, accounting for 27% and 26% of analyzed isolates. The content of fungal biomass was determined quantitatively using a fungal marker, ergosterol (ERG). Concentrations of this metabolite for all samples ranged from 0.48 mg/kg-212.36 mg/kg. Based on the analyses, it may be stated that the concen- tration of microfungi in settled dust from laboratories conducting analyses of cereals was varied, and in several cases markedly exceeded admissible concentration levels.