Increased respiratory symptoms in COPD patients living in the vicinity of livestock farms

Abstract

Several studies have investigated the effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of local residents, but results are inconsistent. This study aims to explore associations between the presence of livestock farms and respiratory health in an area of high-density livestock farming in the Netherlands. We focused especially on associations between farm exposures and respiratory symptoms within subgroups of potentially susceptible patients with a pre-existing lung disease.In total, 14 875 adults (response rate 53.4%) completed a questionnaire concerning respiratory health, smoking habits and personal characteristics. Different indicators of livestock farm exposures relative to the home address were computed using a geographic information system.Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma was lower among residents living within 100 m of a farm (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.24-0.91 and OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.45-0.93, respectively). However, >11 farms in 1000 m compared to fewer than four farms in 1000 m (fourth quartile versus first quartile) was associated with wheezing among COPD patients (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01-2.89). Using general practitioners' electronic medical records, we demonstrated that selection bias did not affect the observed associations.Our data suggest a protective effect of livestock farm emissions on the respiratory health of residents. Nonetheless, COPD patients living near livestock farms reported more respiratory symptoms, suggesting an increased risk of exacerbations. @ERSpublications COPD patients living near livestock farms reported more respiratory symptoms, suggesting a high risk of exacerbations http://ow.ly/P8ttB

Residential proximity to livestock farms is associated with a lower prevalence of atopy

“…Goat farms are present to a lesser extent and did not show significant association with atopy (results not shown). Results of this study confirms the results of two previous studies among non-farming populations which found inverse associations between indicators of livestock farm proximity and allergic rhinitis based on self-reported data25 and EMR 26. As expected, we found that a farm childhood history was associated with a lower prevalence of atopy.…”

“…The study population originates from participants of a questionnaire survey (n=14 163) conducted in November – December 2012 which is previously described by Borlée et al 25. Questionnaire respondents who gave consent for further contact for a follow-up study, and who were not working or living on a farm were eligible for a medical survey (n=8714).…”

“…Two cross-sectional studies in a rural area in the Netherlands found inverse associations between indicators of livestock farm emissions and allergic rhinitis among subjects of a general population 25 26. However, both studies lacked information on history of livestock farm exposure, and allergic rhinitis was based on self-reported data25 and Electronic Medical Records (EMR) 26…”

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and pAmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae among the general population in a livestock-dense area

“…The methodology is described in detail by Borlee et al [19]. Participants were selected in a two-step procedure.…”

Hydrogen sulfide concentrations at three middle schools near industrial livestock facilities

“…41 One study found a lower prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults living near farms, although adults already diagnosed with COPD were more likely to experience exacerbations. 42 Conflicting results may occur because of differences in livestock operation size, livestock production practices, microbial exposures, or susceptibility of nearby populations.…”