Evaluation of Pulmonary Function Cross-Shift Changes in Dairy Parlor Workers Using Spirometry and Exhaled Nitric Oxide

Details

• Personal Author:
  Boggaram V ; Gallagher M ; Hornick M ; Levin J ; Nonnenmann M ; Reynolds S
• Description:
  Objectives: The objective of this study was to: 1. Quantify exposure concentrations of inhalable dust and endotoxin among dairy parlor workers; 2. Evaluate acute cross-shift changes in respiratory status using spirometry, and 3. Assess the effectiveness of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) for detecting acute cross-shift bronchial responsiveness changes. Methods: Nine large herd dairy farms and 62 dairy parlor workers across Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota were recruited into the cross-sectional study by a variety of methods. Dairy workers were eligible if they were over 18 years of age and non-smokers. Spirometry tests, eNO measurements, and pulmonary symptom questionnaires were completed before and after the work shift. Guidelines for spirometry and eNO testing were followed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS). Personal exposure to inhalable dust was assessed using Button Aerosol Samplers at a flow rate of 4 Liters per minute. Gravimetric analysis was used to determine airborne concentrations in the breathing zone of the workers. Endotoxin analysis was completed using Recombinant Factor C Assay. Results: Inhalable dust concentrations ranged between 0.09.4.95 mg/m3 with a geometric mean of 0.59 mg/m3. Inhalable endotoxin concentrations ranged between 4.1968 EU/m3 with a geometric mean of 117 EU/m3. Overall forced expiratory volume in the first second decreased by 1% during the work-shift. While 24% of employees were trained to use respirators, no employees participating used a respirator during their shift. Preliminary statistical results found correlations between decreased measures of pulmonary function and hours worked per week, living on a farm currently, and inhalable dust concentrations. Conclusions: Dairy parlor workers are exposed to concentrations of organic dusts that may adversely impact health. Further studies should test interventions in milking parlors to reduce dust exposure among dairy workers. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Agriculture Dairy Products Dust Endotoxins Lung Occupational Health Respiratory Function Tests Respiratory System Safety
• Keywords:
  Agricultural Workers Breathing Zone Cross Sectional Studies Dairy Products Inhalation Organic Dusts Pulmonary Effects Spirometry Work Intervals
• Publisher:
  American Industrial Hygiene Association
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Grant
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  Colorado ; Iowa ; Minnesota ; OSHA Region 5 ; OSHA Region 6 ; OSHA Region 7 ; OSHA Region 8 ; South Dakota ; Texas ; Wisconsin
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20056520
• Citation:
  AIHce 2013: American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, May 18-23, 2013, Montreal, Quebec. Falls Church, VA: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 2013 May; :198
• CAS Registry Number:
  Nitric oxide (CAS RN 10102-43-9)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2013
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  University of Iowa - Iowa City
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20100801
• Source Full Name:
  AIHce 2013: American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition, May 18-23, 2013, Montreal, Quebec
• End Date:
  20130731
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a101ebaeab48dffbef6f34fceb34684015835518a3a6c1f22759e3c220ceabdfdf6f74cd5cffd2befe9044f311a2c6e05bdcacd588d8711631d598c0da3db9c8
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/214116/cdc_214116_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 923.40 KB ]