Size distribution of particulate and associated endotoxin and bacteria in traditional swine barn rooms and rooms sprinkled with oil.

The objective of this pilot study was to investigate if a once-a-day sprinkling of canola oil in a swine confinement facility alters the airborne concentration and distribution of particulate matter and associated compounds (endotoxin and culturable microbes). Particulate was collected using an eight-stage cascade impactor in four identical swine grower/finisher rooms of a swine barn. Particulate (mg/m(3)) and endotoxin (EU/m(3) and EU/mg) distribution was determined. A six-stage viable cascade impactor was used to quantify total bacteria, enteric bacteria, and fungi. Microbes were characterized from subcultures prepared from the 10 most predominant colony types on each stage 3 (aerodynamic size 3.3-4.7µm) of the collection plates. Results indicated that oil sprinkling reduced total dust by 86% and total endotoxin concentration by 82.5%. However, the distribution patterns indicate that reduction is observed predominantly on large dust particles. In addition, the proportion of endotoxin associated with smaller particulate sizes (i.e., particles <4.7 µm) was higher in the oil-sprinkled rooms. Oil sprinkling does not markedly alter distribution of total bacteria, enteric bacteria, or fungi. The most frequently identified species were gram-positive genera. Oil sprinkling in swine confinement grower/finisher rooms can significantly reduce airborne total dust and endotoxin; however, smaller particles and associated endotoxin appear to remain in suspension, suggesting the overall improvement in air quality is uncertain. Further distribution studies and exposure outcome studies would need to be undertaken to determine the impacts of oil sprinkling.

Swine production impact on residential ambient air quality.

Numerous residents in agricultural areas are concerned about the impact that the swine industry may have on the ambient air quality. They assume there is a risk because there is limited information on the airborne contaminant that may originate from these facilities. The objective of the project was to assess the impact of swine production on ambient air quality related to public health in farming communities. Of the six chosen communities, three were considered not to be in a swine production area, whereas the three others were considered to be within a swine production area. Data were collected during three periods in spring and summer 2006. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were monitored on a continuous basis whereas odor concentrations and intensities were monitored twice a week. Odor concentrations were measured by dynamic olfactometry and odor intensities were determined by trained odor assessors. Public health was evaluated by survey questionnaires sent to a sample of residents in each of the six communities. Average NH(3) concentrations ranged from 6.9 to 12.6 ppb for nonexposed communities and from 8.9 to 18.3 ppb for exposed communities. Average H(2)S concentrations ranged from 1.1 to 1.5 ppb for nonexposed communities and from 1.1 to 1.6 ppb for exposed communities. For a community in a swine production area, ambient NH(3) and H(2)S concentrations were found to be higher than those communities not in a swine production area; however, that difference was not significant and they were within air quality standards for public health and safety. Odor concentrations showed no significant difference between the nonexposed and exposed communities and between evening and morning periods. Odor intensities were found to be significantly higher in the communities within swine production areas. More research will be required to fully understand the correlation between specific physical symptoms from residents and the presence of odors from swine production.