Exposure Variance to Inhalable Agricultural Dust among Dairy Farm Workers Madeleine Hornick 2/27/13

Background Estimated 1 million agricultural workers in U.S. are at risk for lung disease Suggested exposure levels to ag. dust Recommended 2.4 mg/m3 for total dust in swine and poultry confinements Limited exposure assessment research among dairy farm workers

Project Methods 9 dairy farms throughout Midwest (IA, SD, MN, WI) Personal inhalable dust exposure measurements from 80 dairy farm workers 1 work shift 63 people were sampled 1 day each; 17 people were sampled 2 days each

Project Methods 2 inhalable samplers were attached to each individual for the entire work day Sampler orientation was designated as R or L after the first 12 individuals were sampled

Exposure Sampling

Exposure Sampling Button Inhalable Sampler Personal Air Sampling Pump

Data Collected: Sampler orientation Concentration of inhalable dust Date of sampling Temperature Relative Humidity Length of sampling period Ln transformed data (personal exposure and environmental sample measurements are typically log normal)

Statistical Analysis Between Sampler Repeat Samples (different days) A vs. B (1-80) R vs. L (13-80) R vs. L (13-80, only R-handed) Repeat Samples (different days) Temp and RH% vs. Concentration Within Worker Between Worker