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Lung function and respiratory symptoms in pig farmers
P Bongers1, D Houthuijs, B Remijn
1Department of Environmental and Tropical Health, Agricultural University of Wageningen, The Netherlands.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine
|December 1, 1987
Summary
Pig farmers experienced reduced pulmonary function and respiratory symptoms due to swine confinement work. Specific farm management practices negatively impacted lung function, and pig lung disease correlated with farmer health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Swine confinement work involves potential exposure to respiratory hazards.
- Previous studies suggest links between agricultural work and respiratory issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the respiratory health effects of swine confinement on pig farmers.
- To identify specific farm management factors associated with reduced pulmonary function.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study involving 132 pig farm owners.
- Utilized pulmonary function tests and respiratory symptom questionnaires.
- Collected qualitative exposure and farm management data.
Main Results:
- Most pulmonary function values were lower than reference values.
- No significant association found between exposure duration and pulmonary function.
- 28% reported acute respiratory/flu-like symptoms; 14% reported delayed symptoms.
- Fully slatted floors, automatic feeding, natural ventilation, and lack of dust mask use correlated with lower pulmonary function in fattening farms.
- Pig lung disease was significantly associated with pig farmer pulmonary function.
Conclusions:
- Swine confinement work negatively impacts pig farmers' respiratory health.
- Certain farm management practices exacerbate these effects.
- A link exists between animal health and farmer respiratory well-being.