Reduction of dust exposure by negative air ionisation

The effect of negative air ionisation was studied in three Norwegian poultry confinement buildings with compact cages for laying hens on different farms. Total dust was measured by gravimetry of filter samples collected with stationary pumps. A reduction of dust levels by 13% from negative air ionisation was found and the difference was statistically significant. Respirable dust was measured in one building and was 20% of the total dust. Respirable dust levels measured in one building declined by 20% during ionisation, but this difference was not statistically significant.