A review of effects and control methods of particulate matter in animal indoor environments

This paper reviews the effects and control methods for particulate matter (PM) in animal indoor environments. PM in animal indoor environments represents a particular threat to the health of countless animals and millions of workers around the world. Because air in animal facilities has a higher portion of biological content than does air in other environments, the adverse health impact is much greater than it is for the same amount of PM in other environments. Source control, ventilation, and internal air cleaning can reduce PM concentration in animal indoor environments. Source control is typically the most economical method for PM control. Ventilation is the most widely applied technology, although uncertainties remain as to its effectiveness for PM control. Most internal air cleaners require frequent maintenance because of the high concentration and stickiness of PM in animal environments. Filtration is the most well-studied and widely used technology for internal air cleaning because of its low capital cost and high efficiency. Several trials using electrostatic precipitators have shown efficiencies of approximately 50% in removing PM concentration, but improvements are needed before they can be used widely. No report using wet collectors or centrifugals as internal air cleaners has been found.