Confinement Buildings

Infectious Agents

• Dusts - feed grain, dried feces, bits of hair, animal dander, pollen, insect parts, bacteria & endotoxins, fungal spores
• Dusts are heavier when animals are handled or moved and in the winter

Gases Concentrate

• Due to animal wastes - hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide

Short-term effects

• nonspecific airway hyperactivity - bronchitis with productive cough
• flu like illness - fever, myalgia, cough, chest tightness, headache 4 to 6 hours delay
• Hydrogen sulfide causes irritation and cellular asphyxiation. If exposure high enough - sudden death
• Ammonia exposure -
  • Upper airway irritation
  • Adult Respiratory Distress (ARDS)
  • Bronchitis obliterans
  • Alkali skin burns
  • Eye injuries

Prevention

• Engineering and management controls with ventilation
• Personal protective equipment

References

1. do Pico GA. "Farm Related Lung Diseases: Toxic Gases & Chemicals: Table 1. Farm-related toxic gases and chemicals." The Journal of Respiratory Diseases; Vol. 15, No. 7; pg. 603-611; July 1994.

2. do Pico GA. "Farm Related Lung Diseases: Toxic Gases & Chemicals: Table 2. Presentation of toxic gas and chemical exposures." The Journal or Repiratory Diseases; Vol. 15, No. 7; pg. 603-611; July 1994.

3. Dalphin JC, Bildstein F, Pernet D, Dubiez A, Depierre A. "Prevalence of Chronic Bronchitis and Respiratory Function in a Group of Dairy Farmers in the French Doubs Province" Chest; Vol. 95, No. 6; 1244-1247; June 1989.