Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 83-195-1426, David Mayer Poultry Farm, Hobgood, North Carolina

摘要

On February 17, 1983, the David Mayer Poultry Farm and other poultry growers near Hobgood, North Carolina requested that NIOSH conduct a health hazard evaluation of their poultry confinement houses ('broiler houses'). The poultry growers had noticed an increase in eye and throat irritation, headaches, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest since they began raising chickens. Following an initial survey March 11, 1983, several broiler houses were monitored for airborne dust, endotoxins, microorganisms; and gases in June and October 1983. Pulmonary function tests and health questionnaires were administered to 25 poultry growers on October 24, 1983. The primary exposures to poultry growers were found to be airborne dust and ammonia. Carbon dioxide concentrations were well below recommended limits and other gases and vapors assayed were not detected. Ammonia concentrations in air may reach levels associated with eye and upper respiratory irritation. Although a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms was found, no clear association between acute symptoms or acute changes in pulmonary function on the day of the study and indices of exposure was found. Ventilation adequate to reduce ammonia and total particulate concentrations to the lowest feasible levels is recommended to prevent acute irritative effects. Unused, unventilated spaces should be thoroughly aired out before work is performed inside. Growers should consider wearing combination dust/ammonia respirators while inside the houses.