title: Cross-sectional epidemiological study of respiratory disease in turkey farmers.
abstract: This study was a cross-sectional epidemiological investigation of respiratory disease in farmers involved in the turkey growing industry. Pulmonary function tests and health history questionnaires were administered to a total of 95 turkey farmers throughout Minnesota. Respiratory symptoms were greatest during the winter months when exposure to environmental agents was highest. Prevalence of symptoms was higher for smokers, personnel who worked in hen barns, and for persons who had worked in the turkey growing industry for more than 10 years. Pulmonary function was found to decrease during the work day. Also, pulmonary function was lowest for personnel working in hen bars, and for persons who had been employed in the industry for more than 10 years. These data support the association between respiratory disease and exposure to the environment in confinement farm buildings.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Reynolds
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vesley
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Woellner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011200:Poultry; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004391:Dust