Dl4-Lancaster Farming Saturday, December 8,1990 David Kradel Herbert Jordan Milton Madison Penn State Poultry Pointers Herbert Siegel Donald Singleta: RESPIRABLE DUST PROTECTION IN POULTRY HOUSING Dennis J. Murphy Professor of Agricultural Engineering A recent article in this column (PoulUy Pointers, July 28, 1990) described research that measured high concentrations of respirable dust in poultry houses. Respirable dust was identified as those dust particles with a diameter of five microns or less. Dust particles below this size may be breathed deeply into the lungs. There are many sources of respirable dust in poultry houses, including feed grains, dry fecal OZONE BACTERIA REMOVAL 0 3 by Ozo Do you recoil Iho oweet, Ireoh smell atl refreshing summer rainstorm? Thst's si oxygen, commonly referred to se ozone, nsture's most powerful purifying sgent, i It csn be yours tool We creste the seme electronlcslly to trest the wster your fsir drinks snd bsthes In. The result Is “not (rested wster" from every top Inside sni outelde your home. Farewell to: Sulphur email, bod toot# and black acala Staining cauaad by Iron and other mlnerela Bacterial contamination Slime and growth In toilet bowl and tank Embereaeing odor and color Algae, organlce Hello to: Clear, delldoue, pollahad water from ovary tap Chemical (raa treatment Odor (roo water, no more color Incroaaod atlicloncy and money oavlnga ■ No corroalon or ocolo In your plumbing Oxygen enriched water A healthier life atyle Also Conditioners For Nitrates and P.H. softeners ozotech oppligd ozone lor homo fc mchjslf y matter, animal dander, bits of feathers, bacteria, bacterial endo toxins, insect parts, and fungal spores. Breathing in this type of dust in large quantities over a long period of time may lead to respiratory problems that include acute and chronic bronchitis, increased air ways reactivity, occupational asth ma, and toxic organic dust syn drome (TODS). In a few extreme cases, if moldy grain or crop material is handled, “farmer’s lung” may develop. Typical symptoms of these respir atory ailments includes throat irri tation and a persistent cough that may or may not include sputum, wheezing, tightness in the chest, fever, and muscle ache. Some cases require extended days of bed rest or hospitalization. /NO MORE CHLORINE Industrial Waste Water Cooling Towers Pools & Spas Dental General Medical Bottled Water Aquariums Semiconductor Boats & RVs Irrigation FOR HOME & INDUSTRY (Oregon WATER CONDITIONING INC. 335 Quarry Rd., Leola, Pa. 17540 . 717-656-8380 The best protection against these dust diseases are manage ment actions that minimize dust level generation, and limiting an individual’s ■ exposure to dust. •S Limiting exposure to the dust 3 becomes particularly important once an individual starts showing 5 persistent symptoms of lung 5 disease. j\r Morris Mast ,USE OZONE Home & Industry Division Well Water Another method to reduce the harmful effects of dust exposure is to wear respiratory protection. There are several types of respira tors that offer some protection against respirable dust; however, the type used by many farm work ers offers no protection at all against respirable dusts. This simplest type of respiratory protection is commonly called a nuisance dust mask. It is designed to only filter out dust particles 10 microns and larger; therefore, it doesn’t filter out any of the respir able dust. The mask is constructed of a lightweight cloth-type mater ial, and its thin, single elastic band results in a poor seal around the mouth and nose. Disposable toxic dust masks, marked by only a slightly heavier cloth-type material, two elastic bands, and a government approval number, are designed to filter respirable dust but also seal poorly and provide only limited protection. Cartridge-type respirators are &*•*««! M TmIjBUiJ It's the right time to apply lime Pall and early winter lime application allows the limestone time to react and gives you the advanl pH-balanced soil for spring planting. Gn conditions during f< and early winter all help reduce soil compaction and rutting during spreading. Hi-Calcium Hi-Matfnesium rtin LIMESTONE designed to filter respirable dust and normally have wide, adjust able elastic bands and a rubber face piece that seals substantially better around the mouth and nose. This cartridge-type respirator offers much better protection against dusts than the disposable cloth type masks. Cartridge respirators have replaceable filters and washable face pieces so a single respirator can last indefinitely. With a price range of approximately $25 to $5O, it is a good investment for con tinued exposure to respirable poul try dust. Still, there are a few limitations to be aware of with cartridge respirators. If a worker has facial hair, the hair may interfere with a good seal around the mouth and nose. Also, some cartridge respira tors may be hot or otherwise uncomfortable to wear in some poultry house environments. In addition, because the shape of a person’s face often changes as a person works, additional leakage around the mouth and nose may occur. The act of breathing creates a negative air pressure inside the mask and allows dust to seep in if a perfect seal is notmaintained. This leakage usually isn’t a serious problem unless the worker has a chronic or permanent respiratory condition and has serious reactions to respirable dust exposures. The best protection against respirable dust is a powered air helmet. It is several times more effective at filtering respirable dust than any of the respirator types mentioned so far. As the name implies, a powered air helmet utilizes a helmet to enclose the head, and through the use of a battery pack, delivers a stream of filtered air to the per son’s breathing zone. The powered air helmet is designed to create positive air pressure inside the hel met, which negates the problems of a poor seal associated with facial hair, glasses, and movement Workers are often surprised at how light and comfortable pow ered air helmets feel. Powered air helmets range in cost from about $250 to $BOO. This may seem expensive until the price is com pared to doctor and hospital bills. When respirable dust hazards are ignored for too long of time, this type of respiratory protection may be the only type that will offer the worker sufficient protection. Respiratory protection devices are available from a number of sources that may be found by checking the yellow pages under “safety equipment,” agricultural chemical supply companies, or by contacting your county extension office or the Pennsylvania Agri cultural Safety Council. For prompt delivery contact your local Martin Limestone dealer or call Blue Ball. Pa. (800) 233-0205 (717) 354-4125