Citation:

Chattopadhyay, S., S. Perkins, M. Shaw, AND T. Nichols. Evaluation of Exposure to Brevundimonas diminuta and Pseudomonas aeruginosa during Showering . JOURNAL OF AEROSOL SCIENCE. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 114:77-93, (2017).

Impact/Purpose:

This study performs testing, analysis, and evaluation to obtain data that could estimate risks of common waterborne contaminants in shower environments found in homes, athletic centers, hospitals to include stem-cell and organ transplant centers, industrial settings, high-containment biolabs, etc. The test setup simulated real-life environment and experimentally assessed bacterial water-to-air partition coefficients resulting from showerhead aerosolization of water contaminated with Brevundimonas diminuta or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and estimated human exposure through inhalation. Three types of samplers measured size distribution and viable concentrations throughout the system. Results indicate low levels of respirable bioaerosols were generated. The information collected could be used to address risks related to decontamination showers that may be used in biohazard contamination responses by emergency responders. Ultimately, the results of this study could provide bioaerosolization parameters for the medical community to help formulate guidance for the immunocompromised, who are at most risk of (opportunistic) pathogens that may be lurking in showerheads or tap water.

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Journal Article

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