Health effects from work in swine confinement buildings.
A total of 14 epidemiologic studies from four countries, involving 2,786 workers is reviewed for respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function, antibodies to swine house allergens, and exposure-response variables. Cough and phlegm were the most common symptoms (ranging from 12 to 55%). Tightness of chest and wheezing were frequently reported (12 to 33%) as well as episodes of organic dust toxic syndrome. Acute symptoms, directly associated with work, were from 1.5 to 2 times more prevalent than chronic symptoms. Baseline pulmonary function generally revealed decrements in flow rates, but not volumes; over-shift changes showed small decrements in both flows and volumes. IgG antibodies to swine house antigens were common; no relation to symptoms could be found. Exposure response studies were limited, but relationships were seen between endotoxin and pulmonary function decrements, or respiratory symptoms.
Donham
K J
KJ
Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D004391:Dust / Q000009:adverse effects; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D006799:Housing, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000032:analysis; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013552:Swine
D004391:Dust; D007074:Immunoglobulin G