[Mites (Acaridae) as a possible cause of upper respiratory diseases in grain elevator operators].

The results of qualitative and quantitative investigations on the occurrence of mites (Acaridida) in the elevator have been presented. 117 samples coming from reloaded grain material (wheat, maize, barley, granulate), from the dust occurring and depositing during reloading, as well as from the surface layer of soil around the elevator have been tested. The percent of samples affected by mites ranged from 12.5% in the reloaded material to 87.8% in the soil around the elevator. Populations of different species have been found (Acarus sp., Tyrophagus sp., Glycyphagus sp., Tyreophagus sp., Dermatophagoides sp., and others). They not only affect the grain products stored but also act as allergens affecting those occupationally exposed in the elevator and its environment.