Composting, Bioaerosols and the Environment
Bacteria, fungi and other bioaerosols can be released during industrial composting and biodigestion processes. These bioaerosols can damage respiratory health. All site operators must therefore provide the Environment Agency with a site specific bioaerosol risk assessment to demonstrate that bioaerosols can and will be maintained at acceptable levels at sensitive receptors such as dwellings (including associated gardens) and workplaces. In addition, quarterly monitoring should be carried out around composting sites according to the Environment Agency/Association for Organic Recycling protocol to characterise the bioaerosol emissions if the site is located within 250m of a sensitive receptor.
In addition under COSHH, operators must control the exposure of workers at these sites to bioaerosol in order to minimise the risk of developing serious respiratory illness.The IOM provides a range of services to assist the waste management sectors to define their environmental risk bioaerosol. We compile site specific bioaerosol risk assessments and undertake sampling in environmental bioaerosol monitoring in accordance with the EA/AFOR sampling protocol. We can also assist operators in meeting their obligations under COSHH.