Ronald
C. Jester, P.E., and George
W. Malone
University
of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Agricultural
workers are exposed to numerous on-the-job respiratory hazards.
Pesticides, fertilizers, dusts, disinfectants, paints and
gases are just a few of the hazards, which may be encountered.
Serious respiratory problems can develop from prolonged exposure
to any of these airborne contaminants.
Despite
smoking less, farmers have increased rates of chronic bronchitis.
Components of agricultural dusts and gases are sufficiently
irritating to the airways of the lung to cause mucus overproduction
leading to repeated cough with phlegm. These respirable hazards
are also a factor in asthma and allergic problems, (runny
nose and irritated eyes) which may occur with initial exposure.
To avoid
these respiratory illnesses in the poultry house environment,
it is important to recognize the specific hazards and wear
the proper respiratory protection. This fact sheet will help
you to identify the hazard, offer methods to reduce exposure,
select the proper respirator, and consequently ensure your
health and that of your employees.
Respiratory
hazards are usually categorized as smoke and fumes, sprays
and mists, dusts, and gases and vapors. Smokes and fumes are
very tiny solid particles suspended in the air. They can be
generated from welding to burning plastic materials. Sprays
and mists are small liquid droplets that occur from spraying
pesticides, paints, disinfectants, etc. Dusts are suspended
solid particles ranging greatly in size. Dusts can be generated
from grinding, milling, drillings or created in the poultry
house or in a dusty field. Gases and vapors are molecules
in the air and are typically found in confined spaces. Examples
in the poultry house include ammonia and carbon monoxide from
engine exhaust of tractors or skid steer loaders.
Dust
Dust
in the poultry house environment is a concern for growers.
Some factors affecting dust concentrations include bird and
litter age, temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rate,
time of day and bird activity. Respiratory protection becomes
especially important when dust levels rise in the houses such
as during colder weather when ventilation is reduced, with
built-up litter, and during the grow-out period. Poultry house
dust contains feed and fecal particles, feather barbules,
skin debris, fungal fragments, and spores, bacterial and bacterial
fragments, viruses and particles of litter. This type of dust
is typically known as organic dust, since it is derived from
materials formed by living organisms. Such dust was generally
considered nuisance or inert, meaning it has little adverse
effect on the lungs. New research though shows that because
poultry house dusts are largely organic and contain bacteria
and other bioactive substances, it cannot be considered inert.
Poultry
house dusts also contain what is known as endotoxins, which
are toxins of gram-negative bacteria. These inflammatory substances
can cause toxin fever which is similar to influenza. Symptoms
include headache, nausea, coughing, nasal irritation, chest
tightness, and phlegm. Endotoxins are responsible for a number
of work-related acute and chronic illnesses such as those
mentioned above.
Ammonia
Ammonia
is prevalent in most poultry houses and especially during
the winter months. It is produced from the breakdown of nitrogenous
compounds and characterized by a sharp and pungent odor. Ammonia
concentrations can be particularly damaging to your health
during periods of minimum ventilation. This can be between
flocks when the house is closed or during the brooding period.
Ammonia
is considered an irritant and readily impacts the eyes and
respiratory tract. Ammonia can increase the susceptibility
of the respiratory system to airborne pathogens. This is due
to impaired mucus flow and ciliary action in the upper respiratory
tract which is the first-line of disease defense in humans
and poultry.
Recent
research has shown that ammonia levels can easily exceed OSHA
and ACGIH recommended levels. The recommended level for short-term
exposure (15 minutes) is no greater that 35 ppm. Unfortunately,
many poultry growers who have worked in an ammonia-laden environment
for years are unable to detect ammonia below 50 ppm.
If you
fall in this category of individuals, there are several methods
of detecting ammonia. These include litmus paper, detection
tubes and electronic devices. Accuracy, ease of operation
and calibration, and cost are factors to consider in the selection
of ammonia detection devices best suited for your needs.
Other
Respiratory Hazards
Pesticides,
disinfectants and litter amendments are other potential respiratory
hazards on poultry farms. These products are safe when applied
according to manufacturer's recommendations. However, they
can pose serious health concerns when applied inconsistent
with recommended application procedures, and without the appropriate
respiratory and personal protection equipment. Also, remember
all chemicals are not compatible and therefore mixing some
chemicals can cause serious health consequence to you and
your family.
Users
of farm chemicals should thoroughly read and understand the
label information and specifically the health hazards and
safety precautions. If there are any questions, don't hesitate
to contact the retail supplier, manufacturer or Extension
Service.
The above,
identified respiratory hazards enter the body through the
lungs which is the most vulnerable route of entry. The entry
through the lungs represents the quickest and most direct
route, because of its large surface area. This total 100 square
meters (1076 sq. ft.) or roughly the area of a tennis court.
The lungs
have built-in mechanisms to defend against foreign matter.
Coughing and sneezing help to remove some contaminants, but
the capacity of the lungs is limited. If other measures to
control exposure, such as ventilation, are not available or
are insufficient, respiratory protective devices should be
worn.
- Disposable
particulate respirators or dust masks protect against dust
particles and some mists.
All particulate respirators approved under the newest testing
requirement will have a certification label with the NIOSH
and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) emblems.
The are made of a shaped piece of filter material held to
the head by two straps.
- Chemical
cartridge respirators protect against gases and vapors by
using one or two replaceable cartridges containing a substance
that absorbs specific gases and vapors. These respirators
also come with replaceable pre-filters. These cartridges
are color-coded for removal of different gases. In general,
black cartridges are used for filtering organic vapors while
the green are for ammonia.
- Powered
air-purifying respirators pull ambient air through a filter
and into the face piece. A rechargeable battery pack attached
to the belt of the wearer. This kind of respirator is especially
good for individuals with heart and lung conditions who
might not be able to use other respirators, or for individuals
with beards or sideburns who cannot get a good fit with
other respirators.
- SCBA
or self-contained breathing apparatus units supply safe
air and shield you completely from toxic gases.
Employers
are required by OSHA to assess the workplace to determine
if respiratory hazards are present or are likely to be present.
If hazards are found, employers must select and have affected
employees properly fitted with a respirator suitable for protection
from existing hazards.
A coding
system is used by manufacturers to help users choose the right
type of respirator for their work. The following coding systems
are pertinent:
- TC
codes. This refers to testing done by the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). A TC-21C code
means the respirator will filter out particles as small
as dusts and mold spores. A TC-23C means the respirator
will filter out specific gases and vapors such as those
given off by certain agricultural chemicals. Check with
your local safety equipment dealer to assure that the respirator
and/or cartridge are the proper type.
- N,
R and P codes. These certification codes apply only to non-powered
particulate filter respirators. The designation "N"
means the respirator is not resistant to oil; "R"
means it is resistant to oil; and "P" means the
unit is oil proof. All three classes of filters will be
available in efficiency levels of 95%, 99%, and 99.7%. For
example, a respirator marked N95 would mean it is
at least 95% efficient and is not resistant to oil.
Note
that there are limitations with your respirators. The service
life of the filter in all three categories is limited by considerations
of hygiene, damage, and breathing resistance. All filters
should be replaced whenever they are damaged, soiled, or causing
noticeably increased breathing resistance (e.g., causing discomfort
to the wearer).
Particle
and chemical cartridge respirators don't protect against oxygen
deficiency or contaminant not covered by their respective
label or NIOSH approval number, such as TC-23C. The particle
respirators also become clogged with particles and this makes
breathing more difficult. When replacing cartridges, remember
that a given cartridge protects only against the specific
kinds and concentrations of gases or vapors. Read the label
on the cartridge to ensure proper use.
There
are some medical considerations when selecting respirators.
If a user has a heart condition, asthma, emphysema or other
chronic lung conditions, they should check with their physician
before using a respirator.
Only
a snug fit protects you, so follow the manufacturer's fitting
instructions carefully. Respirators come in different sizes,
so find the one with the best fit. The shape of your face,
facial hair, dentures, or skin condition can all prevent a
snug fit. In order for respirators to work effectively, they
must be fit tested in compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 190.134.
An improperly fitting respirator may allow contaminants to
enter around the face piece and be inhaled by the wearer.
WARNING:
Under no circumstances should an employee enter a hazardous
atmosphere without a respirator that was not properly
fitted. |
The following
checks should be performed every time a non-powered, air purifying
respirator is used:
|
Positive
Pressure Fit Check
|
- Positive
Pressure Fit Check
1)
Put on respirator according to manufacturer's instructions.
2) Block the exhalation valve with the palm of your hand.
3) Gently exhale and hold for about 10 seconds.
4) Check to see if the face piece is bulging slightly.
5) Try various facial expressions such as a smile and
a frown.
6) If the face piece remains bulging and there are not
air leaks between the face and face piece, you have a
properly fitting respirator.
-
Negative Pressure Fit Check
|
Negative
Pressure Fit Check
|
1)
Put on respirator according to manufacturer's instructions.
2) Block the air purifying elements with the palms of
you hands.
3) Gently inhale and hold for about 10 seconds.
4) Check to see if the face piece is collapsing slightly.
5) Try various facial expressions such as a smile and
a frown.
6) If the face piece remains collapsed and there are not
air leaks between the face and face piece, you have a
properly fitting respirator.
- Dust
Mask Fit Check
1)
Put on respirator according to manufacturer's instructions.
2) Pinch the metal nose clip (if available) to your face
to ensure a snug fit.
3) Cup both hands over the front of the mask and inhale.
(Do not push on mask).
4) Check to see if the face piece pulls in toward your
face.
5) Try various facial expressions such as a smile and
a frown.
6) If the mask is drawn in and no air leaks are detected
around the face piece, you have a proper fit.
Maintenance
of a dust or disposable mask is quite simple - discard them
after you use them. When the mask becomes clogged and breathing
difficult, replace it with a new one. Never wash or try to
blow our respirators or filters. With a half mask with a cartridge
filter, wash your mask in warm water with a mild detergent,
and sanitize as instructed.
Inspect
your mask regularly for cracks and dents, and store it in
a clean, cool, dry place. Since cartridges become less effective
with use, replace them according to manufacturer's instructions.
When not in use, store your respirator in a dry container
such as a sealed plastic bag or a covered container. Don't
store in direct sunlight, since it can deteriorate the respirator
and/or the straps. They can be stored for convenience in the
work area, if protected as indicated above.
For expert
advice and a greater variety, always work with safety equipment
suppliers. Some general farm supply stores, cooperatives and
pharmacies carry respirators. Mail order is also an economical
and convenient way to purchase a variety of types.
Depending
upon the supplier and the quantity purchased, NIOSH-approved
dust respirators can be purchased for as little as $1.50 each.
This is a small price to pay for your personal health
Authors:
Ronald C. Jester, P.E., Extension Safety Specialist
George W. Malone, Extension Poultry Specialist
"Cooperative
Extension Education in Agriculture and Home Economics, University
of Delaware, Delaware State University and the United States
Department of Agriculture cooperating. John Nye, Director.
Distributed in furtherance of Acts of Congress of May 8 and
June 30, 1914. It is policy of the Delaware Cooperative Extension
system that no person shall be subjected to discrimination
on the grounds of race, color, sex, handicap, age or national
origin."
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
Funding
for this educational material was supported by grant #407/CCU208030-09
awarded by CDC/NIOSH
NASD Review: 10/2002
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