Respiratory symptoms, skin disorders and serum IgE levels in farm workers

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of dermo-respiratory symptoms from lung-function spirometer values and serum IgE levels in farmers who have been exposed to pesticides in the United Arab Emirates (E.A.U.). The study was a comparison of 98 farmers with 98 non-farmers, the two groups were equivalent in age, sex and selected regions--the town of Al-Ain and in the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. Most of the farmers were illiterate or poorly educated (p < 0.0001). Most lived in prefabricated houses (50.5%). Use of chemical substances (70.9%) and a mixture of pesticides by the farmers (60.2%) was very high. The results revealed that the farmers had a very high prevalence of chronic dermo-respiratory symptoms. These differences are statistically significant when compared with the reference group, particularly for the following symptoms: cough (p < 0.003), pharyngitis (p < 0.0003), bronchitis (p < 0.02), asthma (p < 0.008), respiratory insufficiency (p < 0.006), pneumonia (p < 0.003), dyspnea (p < 0.006), nasal catarrh (p < 0.001), sinusitis (p < 0.05), pharyngeal irritation (p < 0.01), nasal irritation (dryness, sneezing and secretions) (p < 0.005), ocular irritation (p < 0.05), cutaneous pruritus (p < 0.002), and contact dermatitis (p < 0.02). The spirometer tests (all parameters together) measured in the farmers were significantly reduced by comparison with the reference group. In conclusion, the authors suggest that a high prevalence of dermo-respiratory symptoms, supported by reduced spirometer tests and high serum IgE, is associated with exposure to pesticides. These results are clearly useful for establishment of work-related reduced exposure in the future.