Variations in exposures to dust and endotoxin in Danish piggeries

Two surveys studied day-to-day variations in exposures to dust and endotoxin and those caused by different tasks and the content of fat in the feed. The exposure to "total" particulate matter (TPM) was just below and at the same level, respectively, as the Danish occupational exposure limit of 5.0 mg/m3 for organic dust. No variation with task distance from the animals was found, but the results indicated decreased exposure when fat was added to the feed. The endotoxin exposure level was lower than previously reported. High correlations were found between TPM, respirable dust, and endotoxin.