Microbiology is a science that investigates micro-size organisms and microbes. Microbiology investigates micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and the like. This branch of science, agriculture, medicine and industry produces useful solutions.
All living things need air and water to survive. The air is meant to breathe and survive, but there are many foreign substances and microorganisms that may be harmful to human health as well as being beneficial. Wherever there is air, there are microbiological contamination caused by air. Importantly, these contamination poses a risk to consumers as well as those working in the food sector. Depending on the types and amounts of these microorganisms, food deteriorates, food poisoning and various infections may occur in employees and consumers. This is why the ambient air of food production facilities and storage areas should be kept under constant control.
Airborne microbial hazards are bacteria, fungi, viruses, mites and the like. However, the biggest risk among them is bacteria and fungi. In particular, fungi are very important for airborne risks. They come to life very easily in humid environments and multiply rapidly. Food production and storage is very convenient in terms of temperature and humidity. These environments, bacteria and fungi are extremely ideal environments. In terms of human health and immune system, these microorganisms are life-threatening.
Various systems are used to measure the airborne microbial density. A few of these systems are: measuring microbial load with test equipment, measuring microbial load by open petri method, measuring chemical components of microorganism cells or counting under a microscope. Whichever method is used, the microbial load of the air is measured, counts are made and density is calculated. A number of necessary applications are then decided to reduce this density and improve the quality of the air. After each application is completed, it is necessary to measure the microbial load of the air again.
What is the scope of the Air Microbiology Test?
There is no established standard for the microbial load of air in indoor environments. However, the total live bacteria and mold yeast density in food production facilities and storage areas was accepted as the maximum 1000 cfu / m3 as standard. However, this value is an average value and a different value can be applied in production plants requiring special weather conditions.
In 2009, the Regulation on the Control of Industrial Air Pollution was issued by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization. The principles of this regulation are taken into consideration during the air microbiology tests. The tests that can be performed accordingly are:
- Gas and dust emissions
- Speed and volumetric gas flow
- Special dust emissions
- Measurement of VOC and other organic emissions
- Powder tests in outdoor and office environments (PM10, PM2,5 and special powders)
- Measurement of inorganic and VOC, PAH, PCB and organic pollutants
- Efficiency tests of gas and dust control systems
- Scent measurement in pollutant sources and outdoors
During these measurements, test and inspection organizations use test kits suitable for the growth of all kinds of bacteria, mold and fungi. The number of microorganisms measured after the ambient air has been removed should be lower than the number of microorganisms in the living environment.
our organization TÜRCERT Technical Control and Certification Inc.provides testing services in accordance with national and international standards and with an impartial approach and complies with the standards of TS EN ISO / IEC 17020 General Criteria for the Operation of Various Types of Inspection Organizations. It is accredited according to this standard. You can request more information about air microbiology tests or other tests from our company.