Protecting Poultry House Workers in the Winter
Agricultural workers are exposed to numerous on-the-job respiratory hazards. Pesticides, fertilizers, dusts, disinfectants, paints, gases and even viruses and bacteria are just a few of the hazards. Serious respiratory problems can develop from prolonged exposure to any of these airborne contaminants.
Dust
Inhalation of organic dust is an occupational hazard leading to the development of
respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases. Dust in the poultry house environment
is a concern for growers. Respiratory protection becomes especially important when
dust levels rise in the
houses such as during colder weather when ventilation is reduced. Poultry house dust
contains feed and fecal particles, feather barbules, skin debris, fungal fragments,
and spores, bacterial and bacterial fragments, viruses and particles of litter. Research
shows that because poultry house dusts are largely organic and contain bacteria and
other bioactive substances and are no longer considered just a nuisance or inert (having
no effect). These inflammatory substances can cause toxin fever which is similar to
influenza. Symptoms include headache, nausea, coughing, nasal irritation, chest tightness,
and phlegm. Endotoxins are responsible for a number of work-related acute and chronic
illnesses.
Ammonia
Ammonia is prevalent in most poultry houses and especially during the winter months
when ventilation is limited. It is produced from the breakdown of nitrogenous compounds
and can be recognized by its sharp and pungent odor. Ammonia concentrations can be
damaging to worker health.
Ammonia is considered an irritant and readily impacts the eyes and respiratory tract.
Ammonia can increase the susceptibility of the respiratory system to airborne pathogens.
Ammonia test paper is very low cost and can be purchased online to test the level
of ammonia
in the air. This is especially useful where large numbers of animals are raised, such
as animal rooms or poultry houses, as animal wastes are a common source of ammonia
pollution. Operators of these facilities depend on our test kits to detect dead air
pockets and inadequately
ventilated areas, alerting them to dangerous levels of ammonia in the air.
Ventilation Tips
Proper ventilation is KEY for not just poultry health but for worker health as well. These two links provide additional ventilation tips for winter months.
- Cold Weather Ventilation & Moisture Control of Pultry Houses
- Using Inlets for Poultry House Ventilation
Worker Protection
The best protection for workers especially during the winter months when there is minimal ventilation is to wear a respirator. Even when the environment doesn’t appear “dusty” or feel like you can still breathe without coughing or needing to cover your face, there can still be harmful levels of ammonia and bacteria laden dust.
Choosing a Respirator
An N95 and P100 are some of the better options for workers in dusty environments like poultry houses. If workers do not have access to these, a disposable dust mask can still provide some level of protection against dust particles.
Respirator Storage and Use Tips
Maintenance of a dust or disposable mask is quite simple - discard them after you use them. When the mask becomes clogged and breathing difficult, replace it with a new one. Never wash or try to blow our respirators or filters. With a half mask with a cartridge filter, wash your mask in warm water with a mild detergent, and sanitize as instructed. Inspect your mask regularly for cracks and dents, and store it in a clean, cool, dry place. Since cartridges become less effective with use, replace them according to manufacturer's instructions. When not in use, store your respirator in a dry container such as a sealed plastic bag or a covered container. Don't store in direct sunlight, since it can deteriorate the respirator and/or the straps. They can be stored for convenience in the work area, if protected as indicated above.
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