Dust exhausted from swine barns may have endotoxins and microbial DNA present which is an environmental and health concern. Endotoxin is a pulmonary irritant which can cause phlegm, cough, wheezing, fever and in some cases chronic airway inflammation. Microbial DNA can also cause an immune response. Amounts of microbial DNA and endotoxins were quantified downwind from a swine facility. The measurements 600 m downwind of the barn were very similar to that of “fresh air” upwind of the barn. Modest environmental concern in this area can be controlled with low impact solutions such as landscaping.
Airborne Dust, Endotoxin and DNA Downwind from Swine Barns – An Update (full article)
