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Evaluation of Airborne Endotoxin Concentrations Associated with a Confined Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)
Endotoxin is a component of gram-negative bacteria cell walls. Numerous published reports have shown high levels of endotoxin within the internal building area of a CAFO. A CAFO may be mechanically ventilated or naturally ventilated by air currents, potentially exposing people near the operations. The result of this exposure might manifest in adverse acute pulmonary effects such as decreased expiration volume, and ultimately to a more chronic condition, hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The purpose of this study is to collect, analyze, and evaluate (compare) the airborne concentrations of endotoxin upwind and downwind of an active CAFO.
The Lizzie, NC site is an active CAFO that has been monitored over time for various biological and chemical pollutants (mostly water-based) by several Federal agencies, including USGS and USEPA. The primary objective of this evaluation is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between upwind and downwind airborne concentrations of endotoxin, outside the internal confines of the feeding buildings.
Contact: Ed Barth, 513/569-7669, (EIMS #117846)