Concentrations of airborne particulate matter, ammonia and carbon dioxide in large scale uninsulated loose housing cowsheds in Estonia

The concentration of airborne particulate matter in large scale uninsulated loose housing cowsheds was investigated. Airborne particulate matter can be a potential risk factor for human and animal health. Also investigated were correlations between indoor particulate matter, noxious gas concentrations and other microclimate parameters. Measures of inhalable particulate matter (PMtotal, PM10) and respirable particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM1.0), carbon dioxide (CO2) and ammonia (NH3) concentrations, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken at eight to 13 locations in nine large uninsulated loose housing cowsheds in Estonia from September 2008 to August 2009. The mean recorded concentrations of PMtotal were 205 ± 270 μg m−3, PM10 65 ± 121 μg m−3, PM2.5 18 ± 46 μg m−3 and PM1.0 10 ± 11 μg m−3. The overall mean inside air CO2 concentration was 553 ± 315 ppm, and that of ammonia 1.2 ± 1.9 ppm. The mean air temperature was 9.6 ± 6.6 °C, and relative humidity 83.2 ± 16.8%. The concentration of particulate matter (all fractions) inside the uninsulated loose housing cowsheds was low compared to pig and poultry housing systems. There was a clear seasonal variation between measurements in summer and winter. The particulate matter (all fractions) and CO2 concentrations were higher, and ammonia concentrations lower, in the winter. The particulate matter concentration in the atmosphere also had an effect on the internal environment in uninsulated loose housing cowsheds.