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Document ID (ISN)52712
CIS number 89-1993
ISBN(s) 951-801-582-1
Year 1987
Convention or series no. Työolosuhteet 59
Author(s) Louhelainen K., Vilhunen P., Terho E.O., Kangas J., Husman K., Kalliokoski P.
Title Dust exposure and its reduction in farmers engaged in the raising of pigs and cows
Original title Lypsykarjan ja sikojen hoitotöiden pölyt ja pölyaltistumisen vähentäminen [in Finnish]
Bibliographic information Työterveyslaitos, Julkaisumyynti, Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A, 00250 Helsinki, Finland, 1987. 57p. + appendices. Illus. 84 ref. Price: FIM 20.00.
Abstract Breathing-zone samples in sow units contained dust equivalent to levels of 7.9mg/m3; in pig fattening units the levels averaged 8.6mg/m3, while in cow units they were 2.2mg/m3. The mass median aerodynamic diameter of the particles was 11µm in the piggeries and 7µm in the cow units. Mean breathing-zone concentrations of dust during fodder milling averaged 33mg/m3, with a particle diameter of 12µm. There was no difference in dust exposure between healthy cattle tenders and those with allergic disorders. Whereas the dust levels in piggeries exceeded exposure limits, and the high dust concentration was the major health hazard, the main problem in the cow units was fungal spores from hay and from straw bedding. Dust control in the piggeries was hard to achieve by technical means. Length of exposure to spores in cow units could be reduced by proper work organisation. Dust exposure in milling was reduced by enclosures.
Descriptors (primary) dust; livestock rearing
Descriptors (secondary) forage crops; dust control; cereals; allergic respiratory disorders; Finland; allergies; respirators; respiratory system
Document type E - Books, reports, proceedings
Subject(s) Agriculture, fishing, animal husbandry
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Browse category(ies) Livestock rearing