계사 및 우사 내 암모니아 및 황화수소 노출농도 평가

Abstract

Objectives: There are many hazardous agents at livestock farms. In particular, gases can be detrimental to both workers and animals. This study evaluated ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations in broiler hen barns and beef cattle barns according to sampling location and height. Methods: Three broiler hen barns and three beef cattle barns were selected for gas monitoring in this study. Ammonia and hydrogen sulfide concentrations were measured using a direct-reading instrument which could measure the target gases simultaneously. Gas monitoring was conducted at human breathing height and animal breathing height at three points in each livestock farm. Results: Ammonia concentrations at the broiler hen barns ranged from 3.3 to 12.5 ppm by sampling location and height, but hydrogen sulfide was not detected. In the beef cattle barns, ammonia ranged from 3.1 to 16.3 ppm and low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide were detected at some animal breathing heights. The gas concentrations detected at each livestock farm were significantly higher in the animal breathing zones than in human breathing zones (p<0.0001). Conclusions: We found a difference in gas concentrations between human breathing zones and animal breathing zones. Gas monitoring should be conducted to improve the related environment considering both workers' and animals' health and safety.