Final Performance Report for Ventilation Control To Reduce Airborne Contaminants.

摘要

Studies have shown conclusively that airborne contaminant levels in swine confinements are typically of a sufficient level to pose a health hazard to workers in that occupation. In addition to a particulate component that can reach levels of 26 mg/m, gases present in confinements in high amounts include methane, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Recognized respiratory diseases of swine farmers include upper airway inflammation, an asthma-like syndrome, and chronic airflow limitations. Ventilation systems associated with swine confinements are largely designed a comfortable climate for the pigs. However, because confinements are operated on a for-profit basis, costs associated with operating the ventilation system are typically kept to a minimum by minimizing fan usage, which results in maintaining high airborne contaminant levels. This research involved the analysis of continuous readings of two environmental parameters, temperature and relative humidity, and air quality parameters, airborne dust and ammonia, relative to measurements taken by sampling methods.