Evaluation of Short-Term Exposure Levels on Ammonia and Hydrogen Sulfide During Manure-Handling Processes at Livestock Farms

Background@#Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide are harmful gases generated during aerobic/anaerobic bacterial decomposition of livestock manure. We evaluated ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations generated from workplaces at livestock farms and determined environmental factors influencing the gas concentrations. @*Methods@#Five commercial swine farms and five poultry farms were selected for monitoring. Real-time monitors were used to measure the ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations and environmental conditions during the manure-handling processes. Monitoring was conducted in the manure storage facility and composting facility. Information on the farm conditions was also collected through interview and walk-through survey. @*Results@#The ammonia concentrations were significantly higher at the swine composting facilities (9.5–43.2 ppm) than at other manure-handling facilities at the swine and poultry farms, and high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide were identified during the manure agitation and mixing process at the swine manure storage facilities (6.9–19.5 ppm). At the poultry manure-handling facilities, the ammonia concentration was higher during the manure-handling processes (2.6–57.9 ppm), and very low hydrogen sulfide concentrations (0–3.4 ppm) were detected. The air temperature and relative humidity, volume of the facility, duration of manure storage, and the number of animals influenced the gas concentrations. @*Conclusion@#A high level of hazardous gases was generated during manure handling, and some levels increased up to risk levels that can threaten workers' health and safety. Some of the farm operational factors were also found to influence the gas levels. By controlling and improving these factors, it would be possible to protect workers' safety and health from occupational risks.

Estimated rate of agricultural injury: the Korean Farmers' Occupational Disease and Injury Survey

OBJECTIVES: This study estimated the rate of agricultural injury using a nationwide survey and identified factors associated with these injuries. METHODS: The first Korean Farmers' Occupational Disease and Injury Survey (KFODIS) was conducted by the Rural Development Administration in 2009. Data from 9,630 adults were collected through a household survey about agricultural injuries suffered in 2008. We estimated the injury rates among those whose injury required an absence of more than 4 days. Logistic regression was performed to identify the relationship between the prevalence of agricultural injuries and the general characteristics of the study population. RESULTS: We estimated that 3.2% (+/-0.00) of Korean farmers suffered agricultural injuries that required an absence of more than 4 days. The injury rates among orchard farmers (5.4 +/- 0.00) were higher those of all non-orchard farmers. The odds ratio (OR) for agricultural injuries was significantly lower in females (OR: 0.45, 95% CI = 0.45-0.45) compared to males. However, the odds of injury among farmers aged 50-59 (OR: 1.53, 95% CI = 1.46-1.60), 60-69 (OR: 1.45, 95% CI = 1.39-1.51), and > or =70 (OR: 1.94, 95% CI = 1.86-2.02) were significantly higher compared to those younger than 50. In addition, the total number of years farmed, average number of months per year of farming, and average hours per day of farming were significantly associated with agricultural injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Agricultural injury rates in this study were higher than rates reported by the existing compensation insurance data. Males and older farmers were at a greater risk of agriculture injuries; therefore, the prevention and management of agricultural injuries in this population is required.

Effect of Muscle Strengthening Exercise on Psychosocial and Physical Status in Farmers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate both the psychosocial and physical effects of muscle strengthening exercise on farmers, and in so doing evaluate their effect on musculoskeletal disorders in farmers. METHODS: 28 subjects participated in our muscle strengthening exercise program. Mean age of subjects was 63+/-13 years. The exercise program was performed 3 times a week during the 8 week studys period. Before and after training various measurements were made: self esteem scale (SES), psychosocial wellbeing index short form (PWI-SF), static and dynamic balance ability, grip strength, arm curl, time up and go (TUG), functional reach, and oswestry disability index. RESULTS: The muscle strengthening exercise program increased the self-esteem, grip strength and static and dynamic balance of subjects, while psychosocial stress and low back pain levels were decreased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The muscle strengthening exercise improved psychosocial and physical status of test subjects. Thus, exercise may be an effective strategy for enhancing the psychosocial and physical health of farmers.