• Project number: F 2344
• Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Completed Project

Description:

Urine samples of workers in animal breeding farms are tested for antibiotics used in animal treatment to explore whether biomonitoring helps to detect and assess occupational exposure. The use of antibiotics in animal husbandry may cause strain on the employees via animal excretions or directly during preparation and application of the drugs. Supposedly, dermal and oral intake takes place along with the inhalation of dust. The investigations are supplemented by airmonitoring and analysis of dust samples. Results of this study will help to understand the relation between external exposure and body load and to assess possible risks for human health of employees. Undesired exposure against antibiotics can cause health hazards through toxic and sensitizing properties of the animal drug and may facilitate the formation of multi-resistant microorganisms in humans.