ABSTRACT
Compost bioaerosols are organisms or biological agents that can be dispersed through the air and affect human health. Many bioaerosols are present in our daily environment including our homes and places of employment. Bioaerosols can contain living organisms including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, arthropods, and protozoa as well as microbial products such as endotoxin, microbial enzymes, and mycotoxins. During composting, bioaerosols are not only present in the waste materials but can also be generated during the process. Another term that encompasses bioaerosols is "aerobiology". This term refers to the study of airborne bioaerosols, especially pollens and spores, and their impact on living organisms. The two bioaerosols of greatest interest relating to worker health and the environment surrounding composting facilities are Aspergillus fumigatus and endotoxin. Aspergillus fumigatus belongs to the plant kingdom, Thallo-phyta phylum, Ascomycetes class, Aspergillales order, and Aspergillaceae family. It is a recognized pathogen of birds, animals, and humans.
