Question:
I have a chance to do a graduate program internship at a site that is quite
close to several operating dairy farms. I am a gardener, and work with quite a
lot of manure, mostly for my rose bushes. This only makes me sneeze a bit, and
only when I get a lot of it. On the other hand, the very fresh and urine-laden
manure at these dairy farms gives me an allergic attack like you wouldn't
believe, with bronchial constriction that is something to experience. I am not
sure if it is the fine particulates, the nitrates or something else.
Does anybody have advice on what medications would help?
Answer:
Manure gives off ammonia, a potent lung irritant, which can
cause an asthma attack in those susceptible. Continued
exposure to the fumes could result in permanent lung
damage and the onset of 'Occupational Asthma' Possibly you could find a 3M mask with an activated carbon
filter to remove the fumes and particles. If I were you,
I wouldn't take this assignment. Links: http://www.epa.gov/region09/cross_pr/animalwaste/problem.html
Animal Waste Management: What's the Problem? http://www.hogwatch.org/html/gtf/fctsht/gtf_fctsht_envimpct.html
Environmental Impacts of Hog Factories in N Carolina. http://www.aiha.org/abs97/7agricu.html
116. Evaluation of Two Methods to Control Odor in Livestock Buildings
