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Longitudinal changes in lung function associated with aspects of swine-confinement exposure
P F Vogelzang1, J W van der Gulden, H Folgering
1Department of General Practice and Social Medicine, University of Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|January 1, 1999
Summary
Swine farm practices like specific disinfectants and automated feeding systems are linked to reduced lung function in farmers. This longitudinal study offers stronger evidence for preventive measures in occupational respiratory health.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Swine-confinement farming presents potential respiratory health risks to farmers.
- Previous studies suggest associations between farm characteristics and adverse health outcomes, but often lack longitudinal data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the longitudinal association between swine farm characteristics and the decline in lung function among pig farmers.
- To identify specific farming practices contributing to occupational respiratory disease.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year longitudinal study observed 171 pig farmers.
- Lung function was measured, and exposure to farm characteristics was assessed via surveys and diaries.
- Statistical analysis examined the relationship between farm exposures and lung function decline.
Main Results:
- Mean annual decline in lung function was observed: 73 mL/year for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and 55 mL/year for forced vital capacity (FVC).
- Significant longitudinal decline in FEV1 was associated with using quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants (additional 43 mL/year) and automated dry feeding systems (additional 28 mL/year).
- Wood shavings as bedding material showed no statistically significant association with lung function decline.
Conclusions:
- Specific swine farming practices, notably quaternary ammonium disinfectants and automated dry feeding, are significantly associated with accelerated lung function decline in farmers.
- Longitudinal data provide stronger evidence for causal inference, supporting targeted preventive strategies in swine production environments.
- Findings can inform policies and interventions to mitigate occupational respiratory risks in the agricultural sector.