Skin squames contribute to ammonia and volatile fatty acids production from bacteria colonising in air ‐cooling units with odour complaints

This study investigated the potential contribution of skin squames to the production of ammonia (NH3) and volatile organic acids (VFAs) by seven bacteria isolated from air‐cooling (AC) units with complaints of urine and body odours. Our previous study showed that keratinolytic activity is higher in AC units with odour complaints than those without. In the offices where these units are located, the most likely source of keratins is from human skin squames. Most bacteria can produce NH3 and VFAs in the skin squame culture. Some correlations between the levels of NH3, NH4+, VFAs, and keratinolytic activity were found. The odour production pathway with skin squames was proposed. Staphylococcus haemolyticus was abundant in the AC units with odour problems and had a high level of keratinolytic activity in addition to odour production. For long‐term odour control, it is important to reduce the level of skin squames entering the AC units. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Source: Indoor Air - Category: Occupational Health Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research