POTENTIAL HEALTH-HAZARDS TO AGRICULTURAL-WORKERS IN SWINE CONFINEMENT BUILDINGS

Four gases were measured (CO2, H2S, CO, NH3). Each of the gases exceeded the respective TLV [threshold limit value] in 1 or more swine confinement units. CO exceeded the TLV in 3 of the units when measuring during winter months; CO2 exceeded the TLV in 10 or 13 units when measured during winter months. NH3 exceeded the TLV in 2 of the units during the summer, and met or exceeded the TLV in 12 of 13 units during winter measurements. H2S met or exceeded the TLV in 2 units during summer measurements and 2 units during winter measurements. It was very common for more than 1 gas to be in excess of the TLV in a given unit. A high percentage of dust measured in the confinement workers suffer adverse upper respiratory symptoms. In depth clinical work-ups on 2 swine confinements workers did not reveal the pathogenesis of their symptoms. This preliminary study suggests that swine confinement units are often contaminated with gases and dusts in sufficient quantities to create an unhealthy work environment. Interviews with workers in these units suggest that a high percentage of individuals suffer at least short term ill effects from work in the units. Occupational health problems exist in confinement feeding. The population at risk includes farmers, their family members, employees and veterinarians.