Tasked based assessment of dairy worker exposure to bioaerosols

Objective: The evaluation of dairy worker bioaerosol exposures among similar exposure groups (SEGs) to identify high risk tasks. The data is an important step in the development effective workplace intervention strategies to reduce bioaerosol exposure and health effects. Methods: Inhalable bioaerosol samples were collected in workers’ breathing zones (n=116) over entire work shifts using Button samplers loaded with PVC filters to measure organic dust, endotoxin (rFC assay), and 3-hyrdoxy fatty acids (3-OHFA), ergosterol and muramic acid (GC/MSMS). Ammonia was measured with ToxiRaes. To our knowledge this is the first study with combined 3-OHFA, muramic acid and ergosterol exposure analysis in dairies. SEGs were defined through observation of worker activities and location including: milking and parlor maintenance (33% of population), medical, maternity and calves (24%), mixed tasks (20%), re-bedding stalls (8%), other tasks (5%), feeding (4%), moving stock (3%) and maintenance (3%). Results: Participants were predominantly male (88%) Hispanics (91%) aged 25 to 40 years. Exposures to endotoxin (R2= 33.0% p<0.001), 3-OHFA (25.7% p