Bioaerosol Monitoring

At Arthian, we provide specialist Bioaerosol Monitoring services to help clients identify and manage airborne biological contaminants in a wide range of environments. Our services include:

• Boundary Bioaerosol Monitoring
• Site Specific Bioaerosol Risk Assessment (SSBRA)
• Bioaerosol Dispersion Modelling
• Bioaerosol Mitigation Analysis
• Workplace Exposure Monitoring

There is growing concern that exposure to bioaerosols—biological particles including bacteria, fungi, and viruses—is linked to a variety of human health effects, including chronic respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal illness, and even cancer.

As a result, development proposals for new waste management facilities are facing increased scrutiny, and regulatory bodies are imposing more stringent monitoring requirements on existing sites. With extensive experience in supporting Planning Applications and Environmental Permit applications, and expertise in bioaerosol measurement techniques, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to help ensure full regulatory compliance and the protection of public health.

What are Bioaerosols?

Bioaerosols are airborne biological particles including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their fragments produced during the handling, treatment, and processing of organic waste. These emissions are common in operations such as composting, anaerobic digestion, and mechanical biological treatment (MBT), which rely on microbial activity to break down waste materials.

Exposure to bioaerosols has been linked to a range of health impacts, including:

• Chronic respiratory conditions
• Gastrointestinal illness
• Skin and eye irritation
• Potential long-term risks including cancer

As a result, regulatory bodies are increasingly requiring monitoring and risk assessment to demonstrate that facilities operate safely and that emissions are effectively controlled.

Why Undertake Bioaerosol Monitoring?

Bioaerosol monitoring is critical for identifying and managing airborne biological contaminants that may pose significant health risks to workers, nearby communities, and sensitive ecosystems.

Monitoring Bioaerosols helps:

• Demonstrate compliance with Environment Agency Guidance (most waste management facilities located within 250 metres of a sensitive human health receptor are required to monitor bioaerosols as a condition of the site’s Environmental Permit)
• Identify potential health risks to workers and nearby communities
• Monitor the effectiveness of control measures and site management
• Protect worker health and assess the need for PPE or health surveillance
• Support planning and permit applications for new or modified facilities
• Provide assurance to stakeholders and regulators
• Provide essential data to support risk assessments and guide mitigation strategies
• Reduce the risk of costly delays, enforcement actions or reputational damage

What is a Site-Specific Bioaerosol Risk Assessment (SSBRA)?

A Site-Specific Bioaerosol Risk Assessment (SSBRA) is a detailed evaluation of the potential risks associated with bioaerosol emissions at a particular site. It is typically required when a facility that generates bioaerosols, is located near sensitive receptors, including residential areas, workplaces, schools, or healthcare settings. The purpose of an SSBRA is to assess whether bioaerosol emissions are adequately controlled and to ensure that there is no unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.

Sites that require an SSBRA include:

• Waste Treatment Facilities: composting facilities, sewage treatment plants, and other facilities that process organic waste.
• Facilities Near Sensitive Receptors: any facility with potential bioaerosol sources within 250 meters of a sensitive receptor (where people live or work for more than 6 hours).
• Facilities Required by Regulations: as required by the Environment Agency or other regulatory bodies for permit applications or other regulatory requirements.

Bioaerosol Assessment: The Business Case

Our Bioaerosol Assessments support:

• Composting and anaerobic digestion sites
• MBT and IVC facilities
• Food and green facilities
• Waste transfer stations
• Sites preparing for Environmental Permit Applications, planning conditions or expansion

We also support sites facing increased regulatory scrutiny or public concern, helping to demonstrate commitment to health and environmental protection.

For more information about our Bioaerosol Monitoring service, or to discuss your needs, contact our team today.