Why can I breathe fine at home… but struggle the moment I get to work?”
That was the question that sparked this week’s Voices from the Field podcast.
In this episode, I sat down with Ms. Daeshjea McGee, a Master of Public Health student at Georgia Southern University, working under Dr. Atin Adhikari whose research uncovers a hidden reality inside veterinary clinics, the air workers breathe every day
And this wasn’t just research for her.
It was personal.
From Lived Experience to Research
Before graduate school, Ms. Daeshjea McGee worked as a veterinary assistant for four years.
She began noticing something strange during work: coughing, chest tightness, congestion after work: relief
Same person. Different air.
That contrast led her to ask:
What are we actually inhaling in these environments?
What the Data Revealed
Over a six-month field study, she monitored air quality during real clinic operations, capturing both peak and low activity periods.
What she found was striking:
- Air quality dropped significantly during busy clinic hours
- Activities like grooming, bathing, blow drying, and animal handling released large amounts of airborne particles
- Pet fur, dander, and chemical products filled the air
- Limited ventilation made exposure worse
And the most concerning part?
Many of these exposures are invisible.
Why This Should Concern Us
The study focused on particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) and ammonia, pollutants that:
- Penetrate deep into the lungs
- Trigger respiratory irritation
- Worsen asthma and other conditions
- Build up over time with repeated exposure
For workers spending 40+ hours a week in these spaces, this isn’t occasional exposure, it’s daily reality.
Simple Fixes, Big Difference
One of the most powerful parts of the conversation?
The solutions are practical:
- Air purifiers in high-activity areas
- Better ventilation
- More consistent cleaning practices
- Reducing unnecessary chemical and fragrance use indoors
Sometimes, improving health starts with small, intentional changes.
Beyond the Science
What made this episode compelling wasn’t just the findings, it was the gap it exposed.
Veterinary workers are essential.
Yet, their occupational exposure is rarely studied.
And it makes you wonder:
How many other workplaces are we overlooking?
Voices from the Field Reflection
One line from the conversation stayed with me:
A problem can give birth to purpose.
This research wasn’t just data, it was driven by lived experience, curiosity, and the need to protect others in the same environment.
Because environmental health isn’t just about what’s outside.
It’s about the air we breathe… right where we work.
Special thanks to the FacultyCenter GeorgiaSouthern for providing the space for this recording.
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