Comparison of indoor and outdoor bioaerosol concentrations in sheep shearing sheds in Eastern NSW

Rural environments normally have higher bioaerosol concentrations than city or building environments. This general exposure experienced by people living in certain areas, can be increased depending on the work environment that people may be exposed to. The shearing sector is one industry where exposure to bioaerosols is highly common. Exposed workers can develop many diseases and conditions including: Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, Organic toxic dust syndrome, chronic bronchitis and asthma. The aim of this study was to determine if bioaerosol concentrations found inside a sheep shearing shed are reflective of the concentrations found outside the shed. 22 sheds were sampled for bacteria and fungi concentrations, both indoor while shearing was being undertaken and outdoors away from the shearing shed. The study found that the bioaerosol concentrations recorded inside the shed were always higher than the concentrations recorded outside the shed. It was also found that concentrations recorded inside the shed are not considered reflective of the concentrations recorded outside the shed. At the moment the bioaerosol concentrations could not be compared against exposure standards because none exist in Australia.