Concentrations of dust, allergens and endotoxin in stables, living rooms and mattresses from cattle farmers in southern Bavaria.
Agricultural work is considered to be a major risk factor for occupational diseases. In particular, allergic reactions to cow dander cause numerous cases of airway disorders. We measured the concentration of allergens (e.g. Bos d2, Der p1) and endotoxin in the stables, living-rooms and mattresses of 46 farmers with a diagnosis of occupational asthma or allergic rhinitis caused by cow dander allergen. The concentration of cow dander allergen was highest in stables (median 20,400 microg/g) but also noticeable in dust samples from living-rooms (median 155 microg/g) and mattresses (median 195 microg/g). The sensitization threshold (20-50 microg/g) was exceeded in most cases. Thus, allergen transport from the stables to bed must be prevented by optimizing the hygiene of farmers and family members.
Berger
Ivo
I
Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.
Schierl
Rudi
R
Ochmann
Uta
U
Egger
Ulrich
U
Scharrer
Eva
E
Nowak
Dennis
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis*; D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D002417:Cattle; D004391:Dust / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D004731:Endotoxins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D005203:Farmer's Lung / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors
D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000485:Allergens; D004391:Dust; D004731:Endotoxins