Bronchial hyperresponsiveness and exposure in pig farmers

Abstract

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.

Interpretation of the “positive” methacholine challenge

“…These include pig farming [Vogelzang et al, 1997], coal mining [Hudgel and Roe, 1988], firefighting [Sherman et al, 1989], obesity [Chinn et al, 2002;Litonjua et al, 2002], chronic lymphocytic leukemia [Rolla et al, 1993], vocal cord dysfunction [Perkins and Morris, 2002], gas cooking [Kerkhof et al, 1999], inhalational drug abuse [Tashkin et al, 1993;Boto de los Bueis et al, 2002], endotoxins , traumatic spinal cord injury [Dicpinigaitis et al, 1994], antishock trousers [Regnard et al, 1990], dietary factors [Soutar et al, 1997], mastocytosis [Mochizuki et al, 2002], human immunodeficiency virus infection [Poirier et al, 2001], tuberculosis [Park et al, 1989], Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia trachomatis [Bjornsson et al, 1996]; family history [Koh et al, 1998], and a history of severe perinatal respiratory infections [Vonk et al, 2004]. A common pathophysiological mechanism for BHR in this diverse group is not readily apparent, although many of the conditions may be associated with varying degrees of airway inflammation.…”

Endotoxin exposure and atopic sensitization in adult pig farmers

“…20,21,31 We used nonparametric models to investigate the shape of the dose-response relationship between endotoxin exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms, AHR, and lung function, adjusting for age, smoking habits, and standing height (lung function only). Endotoxin exposure was associated with increased AHR and lower FEV 1 but not with the presence of chronic respiratory symptoms (Fig 3).…”

Health Effects of Airborne Dust and Particulate Matter Indoors: A Review of Three Climate Chamber Studies

“…Epidemiological studies of workers exposed to organic dust have shown that respiratory symptoms occur in a wide range of professions where people are exposed to dusts contaminated with microorganisms and their endotoxins (Douwes et al, 1997;Vogelzang et al, 1997;Iversen et al, 1989;Iversen and Pedersen, 1990;Hollander et al, 1994;Milton et al, 1995;Hagmar et al, 1990). These studies have revealed a range of different risk factors for respiratory diseases in the organic dust, from allergens to endotoxins stemming from the ubiquitous microorganisms thriving in these surroundings.…”