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Journal of Biological Sciences

Year: 2005 | Volume: 5 | Issue: 2 | Page No.: 233-235
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Research Article

Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis of Dust Particles in Equine Stable

G.K. Mohd Azam Khan, O. Fauziah and Ong Eet Ling

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the characteristics of dust particles in equine stables at Equine Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia. In this study, the size of settled dust particles ranged from 5 to 10 μm, while unsettled dust particles ranged between 1 and 5 μm. This present study noted that 66% of respirable dust were less than 5 μm. These particles are capable of impairing alveolar function. A detailed examination of the dust particles indicated that 15.11% were oval and elongated in shape. Other studies have document that oval and elongated particles were capable of penetrating the alveolar respiratory system. Variable pressure scanning electron microscope attached to energy dispersive x-ray (VPSEM-EDX) revealed that settled dust in this study comprise the elements carbon, oxygen, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, sulphur, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and bromine. Carbon and oxygen were the largest components in dust at 78 and 17%, respectively. Unsettled dust (inhalable) have higher levels of magnesium, aluminium, silicon, sulphur, carbon and bromine. These elements are important because of its probable role in causing hypersensitivity and impairment to alveolar function.
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