Airborne Contaminants Evaluation of Central Animal Housing of Iran University of Medical Sciences



Yarahmadi R¹ ; Esrafili A² ; Panjali Z³ ; Rashidi M³ ; Jebeli MB³ ; Salahshour A³
Source: Iran Occupational Health Published:2017

Abstract

Background and aims: Survay of the particulates, biological molecules and other harmful materials which enter into earth's atmosphere as airborn agents is one of research intrest of health sciences. Animal housing laboratories for producing malodor especially near residential, educational and official areas can cause neighbors complainant. In order to overcome this challenge qualitative and quantitative evaluation of airborn contaminants of Iran University of Medical Scienses animal housing had been done. Methods: In order to sampling and evaluation of the airborne contaminants in the animal housing the ASTM D3686-95 (for VOCs), ASTM D 4490-90 (for NH3, CO2 and, H2S) and, NIOSH 0500 (for total dusts) standard methods had been used. According to the survey goals apparatus and equipment were prepared and calibrated. Results: According to the results, the unspesified mixed dusts need controling measures and, also showed the presence of the toxic substances like xylene and ethyl benzene, 1, 2, 3-Trimethyl Benzene. However, the analyses of these show trace concentration of mixture exposure in the air. High number of animals in the small areas and large animal such as rabbits are responsible for more ammonia production. Conclusion: More frequently passing through the salons and geographical condition of the building and also natural ventilation of the laboratory all are good methods reducing the concentration of pollutions. In the other hand long times presence of employees in the laboratory could cause reduce sensitively. Nevertheless, in order to increase employees and researcher welfare the implementation of general ventilation is recommended.