Risk Assessment of Airborne Contaminants in Plant Tissue Culture Laboratories: A Study of Ventilation and Filtration Systems

Abstract

This study evaluates the airborne contaminant risk in a plant tissue culture lab in terms of the ventilation and filtration efficiency. Employing a mixed method cross-sectional approach, and data were taken using structured questionnaire with 6 various sections: socio-demographic, sources of airborne contaminants (SAC), evaluation of ventilation and filtration systems (EVFS), awareness and biosafety practices (ABP), Lab maintenance and air quality monitoring (LMAQM), challenges in contamination control (CCC). This was given out at random in academic, commercial and government labs. Descriptive and inferential statistics [GLM, Spearman’s correlation, bootstrapped mediation and permutation-based regression (p < .05)] were used to analyzed the data collected. The findings from the study showed more male participants (67.9%), highly educated (75% advanced degrees), and experienced (>10 years: 42.9%) participants. Scales showed a non-normal distribution but good reliability. Socio-demographics had a significant effect on ABP (c2= 1.178, p < .05). ABP had a positive correlation to EVFS (rho=0.576, p<.05). SAC did not mediate Laboratory role/occupation -LMAQM relationships (indirect = -0.034, p = .450). CCC had no significant effect on the EVFS (B = 0.007, p = .936]. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of biosafety in the laboratory environment, emphasizing that despite the importance of education and experience in improving awareness, and practices, the need for specific biosafety interventions, continuous training and implementation of improved air quality management policies for reducing the risks of these airborne contaminants in the laboratory environment is crucial.