Airborne endotoxin in industries processing vegetable fibers.

Airborne lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels were determined at various working sites in industries processing vegetable fibers. On several occasions the amounts assessed with the Limulus assay exceeded those presumed to cause human reactions i.e. about 0.5 microgram/m3. Low values were often found in areas for weaving. High levels of LPS were found in flax carding rooms but levels in jute mills did not exceed those considered to produce reactions in humans. Low values were also found in nontextile industries processing cotton fibers. By and large the variations in airborne LPS corresponded to previous experience on the extent of byssinosis seen in the different types of industries.