Biodiversity of microorganisms filtering facepiece respirators used in selected working environments

The protection of workers from biological hazards, especially in environments prone to high contamination risks like farms, wastewater treatment plants, and waste sorting facilities, is paramount. The selection of appropriate respiratory protection and the duration of its safe use play critical roles in ensuring worker safety. The aim of this study was to assess the number of microorganisms and their biodiversity on FFRs used for various periods of time by workers in the sewage treatment plant, waste sorting plant and cattle farmers.