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Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exposure in pig farmers
P F Vogelzang1, J W van der Gulden, L Preller
1Department of General Practice and Social Medicine, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands. P.Vogelzang@hsv.kun.nl
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Farm characteristics like wood-shavings bedding and specific disinfectants are linked to increased bronchial responsiveness in pig farmers. These factors, not airborne dust or endotoxins, significantly impact respiratory health in agricultural settings.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Confinement farming presents unique occupational hazards for respiratory health.
- Bronchial responsiveness is a key indicator of airway disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between farm operational characteristics and bronchial responsiveness in pig farmers.
- To identify specific farm-related exposures contributing to respiratory morbidity.
Main Methods:
- 196 pig farmers were assessed for lung function and bronchial responsiveness.
- Exposure to dust, endotoxins, and ammonia was measured.
- Farm characteristics, including bedding, feeding, and ventilation, were recorded.
Main Results:
- Mild bronchial responsiveness was associated with quaternary ammonium disinfectants, wood-shavings bedding, automated dry feeding, and pelletized feed.
- No significant association was found between bronchial responsiveness and measured levels of dust, endotoxins, or ammonia.
- Farm operational factors showed stronger links to bronchial responsiveness than direct environmental measurements.
Conclusions:
- Farm management practices, such as bedding material and disinfectant use, are critical determinants of respiratory health in pig farmers.
- Specific practices, including quaternary ammonium disinfectants, wood-shavings bedding, and automated dry feeding, should be re-evaluated to mitigate respiratory risks.
- Future interventions should focus on modifying farm operational characteristics to reduce the prevalence of airway disease.