Field surveys of dust concentrations within and dust emissions from cattle, pig and poultry buildings were conducted in England, the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. Measurements of inhalable and respirable dust concentrations were made in 329 buildings. Concentrations of CO within and outside the buildings were also measured to estimate ventilation rates for dust emission calculations.
Dust concentrations and emissions were affected significantly by housing type and animal species. Overall mean inhalable and respirable dust concentrations were 0)38 and 0)07 mg/m in cattle buildings, 2)19 and 0)23 mg/m in pig buildings, and 3)60 and 0)45 mg/m in poultry buildings, respectively. Overall mean inhalable and respirable dust emission rates from the buildings were 110 and 19 mg/h bovine, 111 and 14 mg/h pig, and 12 and 2 mg/h bird, respectively. Expressed per 500 kg liveweight, the values become, respectively, 145 and 24 mg/h for cattle; 762 and 85 for pigs; and 3165 and 504 for poultry.
Seasonal effects on dust concentrations in and emissions from cattle buildings were weak. Dust concentrations in pig and poultry buildings were higher in winter than summer. Inhalable dust emission rates from pig and poultry buildings were higher in summer than winter. Effects of season on respirable dust emission rates from pig and poultry buildings were small.
Inhalable dust concentrations in cattle buildings were higher in the day than at night, but effects differed between countries. Pig buildings showed higher dust (both inhalable and respirable) concentrations in the day than at night. Percheries and buildings for caged layers showed higher inhalable dust concentrations in the day than at night. However, dust concentrations in broiler houses were not affected by day and night.
The high concentrations of inhalable dust in broiler houses, in percheries for hens and in slatted weaner and fattener houses for pigs give cause for concern for both stockman and animal health and performance.