AIRBORNE PARTICULATE MATTER, FUNGI, BACTERIA AND ENDOTOXINS IN FUR FARMING

Epithelial and excremental matter from animals, feed and bedding material are sources of exposure to airborne organic matter, especially fungi, bacteria and endotoxins in animal farming. Exposure can cause organic dust toxic syndrome, and repeated exposure can cause allergic alveolitis. On one farm with 80,000 minks and 56,000 foxes the concentrations of airborne total particulate matter, respirable particulates, fungi, bacteria and endotoxins were determined for different work phases. High concentrations of fungi and bacteria were found during skinning (135,000 cfu/m3) and the replacing of bedding material in mink nests (64,000 cfu/m3). The highest endotoxin concentration (1.95 mug/m3) was measured during the latter of the two operations. During the killing of minks, the endotoxin concentration was 0.23 mug/m3. The risk for fever reactions and irritative symptoms among the workers during these tasks was increased. Because these tasks are seasonal, it is suggested that the workers use personal protective equipment to diminish the level of exposure.