Analysis of Noxious Gas Pollution in Horse Stable Air

The aim of this study was to determine quantitative and qualitative occurrence of noxious gas compounds in the stable, depending on the time of the day (4:00 AM, 12:00, 8:00 PM), the height (20 cm, 150 cm), and the place (boxes, aisle) from which the samples were collected. Seven compounds were analyzed (NH3, SO2, COS, HCN, CH4, NO2, and CO). For analyzing stable air, a mobile gas analyzer was used. The time of day was a significant differential factor (P < .01) for concentrations of NH3, COS, and CH4. The highest concentrations of CH4, COS, NO2, NH3, and CO appeared at 4:00. For the rest of the studied compounds (SO2, HCN, CO) differences were not statistically significant, but there was a tendency for the highest concentrations at 12:00. The concentrations of gas compounds depending on height did not differ significantly from each other, but there was a tendency for higher concentrations of NH3, SO2, CH4, and CO at 150 cm and for HCN at 20 cm. COS and NO2 remained constant at both heights in boxes. The places where the samples were collected was a significant differential factor (P < .01) for NH3 and SO2. For the rest of the studied compounds the differences were not statistically significant. It can be concluded that many noxious compounds may appear without being noticed, and that is why it is necessary to provide stables with efficient air exchange throughout the day.