![[logo] US EPA](http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Evaluating Airborne Endotoxin Concentrations Associated with a CAFO
Endotoxin is a component of gram-negative bacterial cell walls. Numerous reports have shown that high levels of endotoxin are found within the confines of a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO). A CAFO may be mechanically ventilated or naturally ventilated by air currents, which potentially exposes people near the operations to contaminated air, which might cause adverse the acute pulmonary effect of decreased expiration volume, and ultimately hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a chronic condition. The purpose of this study is to collect, analyze, and compare the airborne concentrations of endotoxin upwind and downwind of an active CAFO.
The Lizzie, NC site is an active CAFO that USGS and EPA have monitored for various biological and chemical pollutants, mostly of the water-based variety. The primary objective of this research is to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between upwind and downwind airborne concentrations of endotoxin outside the confines of the feeding operation's buildings.
Contact: Ed Barth (EIMS#117846)