Ischaemic heart disease among livestock and agricultural workers

Abstract

Background: Agricultural workers are exposed to organic dust containing endotoxins, mites, and moulds. Aims: To compare the occurrence of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) among male and female livestock and agricultural workers with gainfully employed men and women in Sweden. Methods: Male and female livestock and agricultural workers were identified in the Swedish National Censuses of 1970 and 1990 and were followed until the end of 1995. The IHD mortality among the livestock and agricultural workers was compared with that of gainfully employed men and women. Information of smoking habits was gathered from a previous national survey. Results: Male as well as female livestock workers had slightly higher standardised mortality ratios (SMR) regarding IHD compared with all gainfully employed men and women in Sweden. The SMR for male workers was 1.06 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.18). The SMR for female workers was 1.10 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.23). Agricultural workers had lower SMRs. Adjustments for smoking habits would further increase the SMRs by about 9% in male workers and about 5% in female workers. Conclusion:The present data suggest a slightly increased risk for IHD among both male and female livestock workers, which may be the result of organic dust exposure.

Occupational exposure to particles and incidence of acute myocardial infarction and other ischaemic heart disease

“…Certain occupational groups have a high exposure to particulate air pollution, for example, silica dust, welding fumes and combustion particles. Elevated risks of acute myocardial infarction have been reported in some particle-exposed occupational groups, for example, chimney sweeps,8 construction workers,9 welders,10 11 miners,12 livestock workers13 and cooks 14. A population-based case–referent study, adjusted for smoking, showed an increased risk for IHD after occupational exposure to combustion particles 15…”

RE: Occupational endotoxin‐exposure and possible health effects on humans

“…This study did not include data on smoking habits, but based on other Swedish data on smoking habits in this and other occupational groups, it could be estimated that correction for smoking habits would have further increased the risk by about 9% in male workers and about 5% in female workers [Sjögren et al, 2003].…”

“…A Swedish study observed a slightly increased risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) among male (SMR 1.06, 95%CI 0.95-1.18) and female livestock workers (SMR 1.10, 95%CI 0.98-1.23). This study did not include data on smoking habits, but based on other Swedish data on smoking habits in this and other occupational groups, it could be estimated that correction for smoking habits would have further increased the risk by about 9% in male workers and about 5% in female workers [Sjögren et al, 2003].…”

Re: Fleming et al., 2003, National Health Interview Survey mortality among US farmers and pesticide applicators, and Lee et al., 2002, Proportionate mortality of crop and livestock farmers in the United States, 1984–1993

“…Adjustment for smoking habits would further increase the risk by about 9% in male workers and about 5% in female workers [Sjögren et al, 2003].…”