Exposure-response relationships for endotoxin as measured in dust and longitudinal decline in lung function were studied. A cohort of 171 pig farmers was followed over a 3-yr period. Long-term average exposure to dust and endotoxin was determined by personal monitoring in summer and winter, using data on farm characteristics and activities. Mean decline in FEV1 was 73 ml/yr and in FVC 55 ml/ yr. Long-term average exposure to dust was 2.63 mg/m3 (geometric SD [GSD] 1.30), and to endotoxin, 105 ng/m3 (GSD 1.5). Annual decline in FEV1 was significantly associated with endotoxin exposure. An increase in exposure with a factor 2 was associated with an extra decline of FEV1 of 19 ml/yr.

Objectives-The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms among pig farmers is known to be high, but 1995;52:654-660)

Health-based selection for asthma, but not for chronic bronchitis, in pig farmers: an evidence-based hypothesis. P.F.J. Vogelzang, J.W.J. van der Gulden, M.J.M. Tielen, H. Folgering, C.P. van Schayck. #ERS Journals Ltd 1999. ABSTRACT: In cross-sectional surveys among pig farmers an elevated prevalence of chronic bronchitis is usually reported, but not of asthma, despite many factors promoting the manifestation of asthma.To investigate this apparent contradiction a postal questionnaire survey was performed among 239 pig farmers and 311 rural controls.Pig farmers reported an elevated prevalence of symptoms of chronic bronchitis (20.2 versus 7.7%, p<0.001), but not of asthma (5.9 versus 5.5% for chest tightness). Among pig farmers the use of disinfectants (prevalence odds ratio (POR) 9.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6±57.2 for quaternary ammonium compounds) and aspects of the disinfecting procedure were associated with the prevalence of asthma symptoms. Compared with controls, pig farmers reported fewer allergies to common allergens (4.6 versus 14.6%, p<0.001 for pollen) and fewer symptoms of atopy in childhood (9.9 versus 17.2, p<0.05 for one or more of four symptoms). Atopy in childhood was strongly associated with the prevalence of asthma symptoms (POR 4.1, 95% CI 2.2±7.7), but not with chronic bronchitis.Health-based selection of nonasthmatics for pig farming, which tends to mask a work-related hazard for asthma, is offered as an explanation for these results. Eur Respir J 1999; 13: 187±189.

Please be advised that this information was generated on 2018-05-09 and may be subject to change.Int Arch Occiip Environ Health (1997) Abstract Objective: To study the effect of exposure on bronchial responsiveness in pig farmers. Method: A group of 196 pig farmers were tested for lung function and bronchial responsiveness to histamine in the sum mer of 1992. To achieve sufficient contrast in respira tory morbidity and exposure, 96 of the farmers were selected because they had chronic respiratory symp toms and the remaining 100 because they were free from any respiratory symptoms. Personal exposure to dust, endotoxins and ammonia was measured during 1 working day in the summer of 1991 and 1 day in the winter of 1992. Data on farm characteristics were gathered in the same period. Results: After adjusting for age and smoking behaviour, mild bronchial re sponsiveness, defined as PCi0 ^ 16 mg/ml, was asso ciated with the use of quaternary ammonium com pounds as disinfectant [prevalence odds ratio (POR) 6.7, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.4-32.8], use of wood-shavings as bedding (POR 13.3, Cl 1.3-136.7), use of automated dry feeding (POR 2.8, Cl 1.0-7.8), use of pellets as feeding material (POR 4.8, Cl L I-21.1) and location of air exhaust via pit or roof in the confinement units (POR 2.7, CI 1.2-6.3). The associa- tion with the use of disinfectants other than quaternary ammonium compounds was not significant (POR 2.4,. No associations between bronchial re sponsiveness and measured exposure to dust, endo toxins or ammonia were discernible. Conclusion: Pro tective measures, designed to prevent airway disease in confinement farming, should be based on information about the operational and other characteristics of farms that are related to high exposure and health ef fects. Specifically, the use of quaternary ammonium compounds as disinfectant, the use of wood-shavings as bedding and the use of automated dry feeding should be discouraged.

No abstract