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.
Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
K J
KJ
Donham
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