Management of scales and other insect debris: occupational health hazard in a lepidopterous rearing facility.
Scales and other body parts of Lepidoptera are known allergens and pose a serious health hazard for workers in rearing programs. Researchers of the Crop Science Research Laboratory (USDA-ARS), located at Mississippi State, MS, have reared lepidopterous insects since the late 1960s. Efforts have been made by them to continuously improve management of the moth scale problem and reduce allergic reactions suffered by workers. We developed strategy that requires a separate facility for housing the moth colonies, oviposition cages that facilitate exit of scales and other debris, an improved air filtration system, and sanitation procedures. The strategy used currently (coined ALERT for Advanced Lepidoptera Environmental Rearing Technology) for scale management efficiently minimizes this serious occupational hazard.
Davis
F M
FM
Crop Science Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA.
Jenkins
J N
JN
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000818:Animals; D004772:Entomology; D006801:Humans; D009036:Moths / Q000254:growth & development*; D016272:Occupational Health
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens