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Detection of horse allergen around a stable.
Abstract: Integrating horse stables with built-up areas may lead to conflicts. Dispersion of horse allergen may become a health risk for allergic people. The aim was to measure the dispersion of horse allergen around a stable, considering wind speed and direction and vegetation. The disturbance of staff at a workplace nearby a stable was investigated. Methods: Air sampling was performed around a stable (32 horses) at distances of 50-500 m in all directions. Sampling was done with a pump and an IOM sampler. Samples were collected at 50 points during all seasons. Horse allergen levels were determined using ELISA. Disturbance by horses was studied with a questionnaire handed to the employees in an office near the stable. Results: The median horse allergen level at the stable entrance was 316 U/m(3), in the horse fields 40 U/m(3) and in the whole source area 16 U/m(3), which declined to <2 U/m(3) at about 50 m from the source area. Downwind of the prevailing winds low levels of horse allergen (2-4 U/m(3)) could sometimes be detected at up to 500 m. The staff, including those allergic to horses, managed to tolerate horses close to the workplace. Conclusions: At low winds horse allergen spread in ambient air about 50 m from the stable and horse fields. At higher winds low allergen levels were sometimes found in open areas up to 500 m from the source area. These levels were similar to those found in the office after moving away from the stable area. The employees did not report more symptoms of allergy or asthma while working close to the stable compared to after the move.
2007 S. Karger AG, Basel
Publication Date: 2007-11-15 PubMed ID: 18025788DOI: 10.1159/000110885Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Validation Study
Summary
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The article aims to investigate the dispersion of horse allergen around a stable and how it impacts individuals, especially those who are allergic to horses, in nearby offices. The research considers factors like wind speed and direction, and surrounding vegetation.
Research Methodology
- The research was conducted around a stable housing 32 horses, and air samples were collected from distances ranging from 50 to 500 meters in all directions.
- A pump and an IOM sampler were used for air sampling, and a total of 50 samples were collected during all seasons.
- The researchers used the ELISA method to determine the levels of horse allergen in the air samples.
- The impact of the horses on employees in a nearby office was studied using a questionnaire.
Research Findings
- The median level of horse allergen at the stable entrance was found to be 316 U/m(3), 40 U/m(3) in the horse fields, and 16 U/m(3) in the entire source area.
- The allergen levels started to decline to less than 2 U/m(3) at about 50 meters from the source area.
- Downwind areas of the prevailing winds displayed low levels of horse allergen (2-4 U/m(3)), and these levels could sometimes be detected at a distance of up to 500 meters.
- Employees, including those allergic to horses, reported that they managed to tolerate horses near their workplace.
- Low levels of allergen were sometimes found in open areas up to 500 meters from the stable at higher wind speeds — similar levels were found in the office even after moving away from the stable area.
Research Conclusions
- About 50 meters is the maximum distance at which horse allergens spread in the ambient air from the stable and horse fields during low wind conditions.
- During higher winds, low allergen levels could be found up to 500 meters away in open areas.
- These allergen levels did not significantly increase instances of allergy or asthma symptoms amongst employees working close to the stable as compared to those who moved further away.
Cite This Article
APA
Elfman L, Brannstrom J, Smedje G.
(2007).
Detection of horse allergen around a stable.
Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 145(4), 269-276.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000110885 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden. lena.elfman@medsci.uu.se
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Air / analysis
- Air Pollution, Indoor / analysis
- Allergens / analysis
- Animals
- Dust / analysis
- Dust / immunology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / standards
- Female
- Horses / immunology
- Housing, Animal
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Occupational Exposure / analysis
- Respiratory Hypersensitivity / immunology
- Seasons
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Wind
Citations
This article has been cited 10 times.- Zahradnik E, Sander I, Lotz A, Liebers V, Thullner I, Tacke S, Raulf M. Exposure levels of animal allergens, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan on a university campus of veterinary medicine. PLoS One 2023;18(7):e0288522.
- Victor S, Lampa E, Rask Andersen A, Gafvelin G, Grönlund H, Elfman L. Measurement of Horse Allergens Equ c 1 and Equ c 2: A Comparison among Breeds. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2022;183(11):1166-1177.
- Sigsgaard T, Basinas I, Doekes G, de Blay F, Folletti I, Heederik D, Lipinska-Ojrzanowska A, Nowak D, Olivieri M, Quirce S, Raulf M, Sastre J, Schlünssen V, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Siracusa A. Respiratory diseases and allergy in farmers working with livestock: a EAACI position paper. Clin Transl Allergy 2020;10:29.
- Victor S, Binnmyr J, Lampa E, Rask-Andersen A, Elfman L. Levels of horse allergen Equ c 4 in dander and saliva from ten horse breeds. Clin Exp Allergy 2019 May;49(5):701-711.
- Stave GM. Occupational Animal Allergy. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2018 Feb 16;18(2):11.
- Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Respiratory Allergens from Furred Mammals: Environmental and Occupational Exposure. Vet Sci 2017 Aug 4;4(3).
- Haeger-Eugensson M, Ferm M, Elfman L. Use of a 3-D dispersion model for calculation of distribution of horse allergen and odor around horse facilities. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2014 Mar 31;11(4):3599-617.
- Zahradnik E, Raulf M. Animal allergens and their presence in the environment. Front Immunol 2014;5:76.
- Merritt AS, Emenius G, Elfman L, Smedje G. Measurement of Horse Allergen (Equ cx) in Schools. ISRN Allergy 2011;2011:574258.
- Liccardi G, Emenius G, Merritt AS, Salzillo A, D'Amato M, D'Amato G. Direct and indirect exposure to horse: risk for sensitization and asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2012 Oct;12(5):429-37.
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