Industrial Hygiene in the Industrial Hygiene in the

Co-sheltering OperationCo-sheltering Operation

Keith Rowland, IH, Keith Rowland, IH, REHS, PHRST 6REHS, PHRST 6

April 21, 2010April 21, 2010

BackgroundBackground

According to NIOSH:According to NIOSH:– Approx 2 million workers in the US are Approx 2 million workers in the US are

exposed to animals/animal productsexposed to animals/animal products– 33% have allergic symptoms33% have allergic symptoms– 10% have symptoms of animal induced 10% have symptoms of animal induced

allergy/asthmaallergy/asthma– Higher risk: vet techs, veterinarians, Higher risk: vet techs, veterinarians,

laboratory workers, (or anyone else with laboratory workers, (or anyone else with close, prolonged exposure)close, prolonged exposure)

Allergens/AsthmaAllergens/Asthma

Animal related asthma/allergies are Animal related asthma/allergies are exaggerated reactions of the body’s exaggerated reactions of the body’s immune system to allergens (dander, fur, immune system to allergens (dander, fur, scales, body wastes, saliva)scales, body wastes, saliva)

The most common route of exposure?The most common route of exposure? Generally symptoms subside once Generally symptoms subside once

exposure is eliminatedexposure is eliminated ““sensitization” generally takes months or sensitization” generally takes months or

years years AAD says 85% of ppl will develop a rxn to AAD says 85% of ppl will develop a rxn to

poison ivy given repeated exposurepoison ivy given repeated exposure

Co-shelteringCo-sheltering

We want to protect two populations: We want to protect two populations: evacuees and post shelter occupantsevacuees and post shelter occupants

How?How?– Appropriate facilities Appropriate facilities – Physical barriersPhysical barriers– Ensure animals and humans are housed in Ensure animals and humans are housed in

separate facilities w/ separate HVAC systemsseparate facilities w/ separate HVAC systems– Post op cleaning/disinfectionPost op cleaning/disinfection

Assessment/DemobAssessment/Demob

Assessment/evaluation, with County Assessment/evaluation, with County partners, facility owners, regional vet staff, partners, facility owners, regional vet staff, PHRST IH. PHRST IH.

Site assessment worksheetSite assessment worksheet Demobilization, cleaning/disinfection planDemobilization, cleaning/disinfection plan