Longitudinal changes in lung function associated with aspects of swine-confinement exposure

Several aspects of swine-confinement farming appear to be leading to adverse respiratory effects. This study was set up in a longitudinal design to study the association between certain characteristics of farms or the way they are run and a decline in lung function. A cohort of 171 pig farmers was observed for 3 years. Lung function was measured. Exposure to farm characteristics was determined at the start of the observation period, using data from standardized farm surveys and from diaries kept by the participants. Mean decline in lung function was 73 mL/year for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and 55 mL/year for forced vital capacity (FVC). A longitudinal decline in FEV1 was significantly associated with the use of quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectants (an additional 43 mL/year) and also with the use of an automated dry feeding system (an additional 28 mL/year). The association with the use of wood shavings as bedding material was not statistically significant. The impact of these characteristics in a longitudinal study provides stronger evidence for causal inference than that shown in previous cross-sectional designs. This may be useful in promoting preventive measures.