Evaluation of the factors contributing to total airborne particulates and respirable particulates in microbreweries of western North Carolina

Evaluation of the factors contributing to total airborne particulates and respirable particulates in microbreweries of western North Carolina

Dust

Indoor air pollution

Microbreweries -- Dust control

Molds (Fungi)

Gibbon, Ashley Hillyer

2006

Ogle, Burton

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61746

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In many small breweries the levels of airborne particulates can be elevated due to the presence of grain dust and mold spores. This study collected total airborne particulates and respirable particulates (<4�m) in 5 microbreweries of western North Carolina using a gravimetric study design. Levels of total particulates ranged from 0-2.427 mg per 153 liters of air, and respirable particulates were found to vary from 0-2.788 mg/153 liters of air. The results were compared against 23 independent variables to determine what factors contribute to airborne particulates. These variables included environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, physical brewery characteristics such as the size and age of the building, and business factors like the amount of grain used. Breweries with plastic walls had a significantly (r=0.441, p=0.027) higher level of respirable particulates than those breweries with walls of concrete or drywall. A strong negative correlation (r=-0.965, p=0.008) was found between the physical volume of the brewery and the ratio of respirable to total particulates. While few associations were found between the factors in this study and airborne particulates, the concentration of particulates in at least one of the breweries was found at levels that have been linked to respiratory illness in other studies, warranting further research on this topic.

2014-09-02

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