Ss05-04 From Spores to Symptoms: A Case Series Unravelling Mould Exposure and Health Risks in Diverse Occupational Settings

Introduction The growing prominence of mould exposure in indoor settings, especially water-damaged structures, raised concerns in occupational health due to its multifarious and ubiquitous nature. This study aims to reveal the complexity of mould investigations in various workplaces, shedding light on exposure profiles, transmission routes and associated health risks. Methods A retrospective review was performed across multiple South African workplaces. Data encompassing environmental monitoring, air and surface sampling and employee health assessments were collected. The study period spanned 2000 to 2023, allowing for a robust assessment of mould-related issues in different environments. Analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. Results Occupational settings investigated included a biocontrol manufacturing plant, document warehouse, pathology laboratory, leather tanning and processing, museum, packaging factory and offices. A wide range of mould species (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Beauveria, Bipolaris, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Epicoccum, Penicillium, Rhizomucor and Rhizopus) and concentrations range (10-2500 cfu/m3), varying significantly between species and occupational settings was found. A myriad of symptoms and immunological responses were associated with detected species. Conditions included occupational rhinitis, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. Specific industries may be more susceptible to mould-related problems due to the nature of work processes and others due to poorly managed environmental conditions. Conclusions This series underscores the importance of conducting mould investigations to assess and mitigate occupational health risks, understanding factors contributing to mould growth and potential health effects and formulating preventive measures.