IMPACTO DOS FUNGOS EM BIBLIOTECAS: PERFIL SOCIOAMBIENTAL, ALERGIAS E CONSERVAÇÃO DO ACERVO

Abstract

The protection of library collections, staff, and users is essential to ensure the preservation of materials and the well-being of everyone involved. This study aimed to investigate the socio-environmental and allergic profile of librarians, as well as to identify fungi present in the library environment. To achieve this, sociodemographic, environmental, and allergy questionnaires were administered to library employees. Immediate hypersensitivity tests were also conducted to assess sensitization to allergens, and environmental samples were collected for fungal culture. The results included the evaluation of 12 librarians, with a prevalence of 58% (07) in the age range of 29 to 39 years. Of the total, 92% (11) were female, 50% (6) were of mixed ethnicity, 100% (12) resided in the capital city, 68% (8) had completed higher education, 43% (5) had been working in the field for 6 to 10 years, and 42.75% (9) worked between 41 to 50 hours per week. Regarding the clinical profile, it was observed that 8% had asthma, 50% had allergic rhinitis, and 8% had atopic dermatitis. Fungi species such as Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Trichophyton sp. were found in the library environment. These results emphasize the importance of studying the socio-environmental profile of librarians, demonstrating a higher sensitivity to mites and a prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Furthermore, the presence of fungi in the library poses risks to the health of librarians and compromises the integrity and preservation of the collection. Therefore, it is essential to implement preventive and environmental control measures to mitigate these issues.