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Serya H, El-Helaly M, Mosbah El-Diasty M, Al-Wehedy A, Elsherbeny E. Respiratory Findings in Herd Dairy Farmworkers from the Nile Delta Region. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2023; 114:e2023004. [PMID: 36790408 PMCID: PMC9987471 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v114i1.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dairy farmworkers are exposed to a variety of respiratory hazards, including organic and inorganic dust, allergens, disinfectants, and gases emitted by cows and their wastes resulting in a range of adverse health effects. In Egypt, large herd dairy farms (>1000 cattle) are growing in both size and number and thereby more workers are employed. However, there is a lack of studies on the respiratory health status of these workers. Accordingly, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of respiratory problems, assess ventilatory functions, and highlight the predictors of abnormal spirometry patterns among Egyptian dairy farmworkers. METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out on 282 male workers, of whom 141 were dairy farmworkers and the other 141, not involved in livestock handling, were enrolled as controls. Full history, clinical examination, and ventilatory function measurements were done for both groups. RESULTS Dairy farmworkers had a significantly higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms (throat irritation and/or sore throat, cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing) than controls as well as bronchitis, wheezes on chest auscultation, and obstructive ventilatory patterns. Older age (>37 years), longer smoking duration (>10 years), and longer working duration (>4 years) were independent predictors of abnormal spirometry patterns, particularly obstructive patterns, in dairy farmworkers. CONCLUSIONS Large herd dairy farms, despite being open and naturally ventilated, are hazardous to workers' respiratory health. Hence, the provision of personal protective equipment, periodic spirometry examinations as well as mandatory breaks and days off, are highly urged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hend Serya
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed El-Helaly
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | | | - Adel Al-Wehedy
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
| | - Enas Elsherbeny
- Industrial Medicine and Occupational Health at Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.
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Babaoglu UT, Oymak Yalcin S, Calis AG, Ozgunaltay Ertugrul G, Erturk A. Effects of different occupational exposure factors on the respiratory system of farmers: the case of Central Anatolia. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10389-021-01554-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Coffman VR, Hall DJ, Pisanic N, Nadimpalli M, McCormack M, Diener‐West M, Davis MF, Heaney CD. Personal protective equipment use during industrial hog operation work activities and acute lung function changes in a prospective worker cohort, North Carolina 2014-2015. Am J Ind Med 2021; 64:688-698. [PMID: 34091939 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Occupational activities related to industrial hog operation (IHO) worker lung function are not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to identify IHO work activities associated with diminished respiratory function and the effectiveness, if any, of personal protective equipment (PPE) use on IHOs. METHODS From 2014 to 2015, 103 IHO workers were enrolled and followed for 16 weeks. At each biweekly visit, work activities and PPE use were self-reported via questionnaire and lung function measurements were collected via spirometry. Generalized linear and linear fixed-effects models were fitted to cross-sectional and longitudinal data. RESULTS Increasing years worked on an IHO were associated with diminished lung function, but baseline and longitudinal work activities were largely inconsistent in direction and magnitude. Unexpectedly, a -0.3 L (95% confidence interval: -0.6, -0.04) difference in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1 ) was estimated when workers wore PPE consistently (≥80% of the time at work) versus those weeks they did not. In post-hoc analyses, we found that coveralls and facemasks were worn less consistently when workers experienced worse barn conditions and had more contact with pigs, but coveralls were worn more consistently as cleaning activities increased. CONCLUSIONS Similar to past studies, baseline estimates were likely obscured by healthy worker effect bias, but showed decrements in worker lung function as years of work increased. A challenge to disentangling the effect of work activities on lung function was the discovery that IHO workers used PPE differently according to the work task. These data suggest that interventions may be targeted toward improving barn conditions so that workers can consistently utilize IHO-provided PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa R. Coffman
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Devon J. Hall
- Rural Empowerment Association for Community Help (REACH) Warsaw North Carolina USA
| | - Nora Pisanic
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Maya Nadimpalli
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering Tufts University Medford Massachusetts USA
- Center for Integrated Management of Antimicrobial Resistance (CIMAR) Tufts University Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Meredith McCormack
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- School of Medicine Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Marie Diener‐West
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- School of Nursing Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Clinical Trials and Evidence Synthesis, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Meghan F. Davis
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- School of Medicine Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
| | - Christopher D. Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for Global Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Johns Hopkins Center for a Livable Future, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland USA
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Genovese T, Siracusa R, Fusco R, D’Amico R, Impellizzeri D, Peritore AF, Crupi R, Gugliandolo E, Morabito R, Cuzzocrea S, Trovato Salinaro A, Cordaro M, Di Paola R. Atrazine Inhalation Causes Neuroinflammation, Apoptosis and Accelerating Brain Aging. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7938. [PMID: 34360708 PMCID: PMC8347547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND exposure to environmental contaminants has been linked to an increased risk of neurological diseases and poor outcomes. Chemical name of Atrazine (ATR) is 6-chloro-N-ethyl-N'-(1-methylethyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine, and it is the most commonly used broad-spectrum herbicide in agricultural crops. Several studies have demonstrated that ATR has the potential to be harmful to the brain's neuronal circuits. Until today nobody has explored the effect of ATR inhalation on young and aged mice. METHODS young and aged mice were subject to 25 mg of ATR in a vehicle made with saline and 10% of Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) every day for 28 days. At the end of experiment different behavioral test were made and brain was collected. RESULTS exposure to ATR induced the same response in terms of behavioral alterations and motor and memory impairment in mice but in aged group was more marked. Additionally, in both young and aged mice ATR inhalations induced oxidative stress with impairment in physiological antioxidant response, lipid peroxidation, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (nf-κb) pathways activation with consequences of pro-inflammatory cytokines release and apoptosis. However, the older group was shown to be more sensitive to ATR inhalation. CONCLUSIONS our results showed that aged mice were more susceptible compared to young mice to air pollutants exposure, put in place a minor physiologically response was seen when exposed to it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Genovese
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Alessio Filippo Peritore
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (E.G.)
| | - Enrico Gugliandolo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (E.G.)
| | - Rossana Morabito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Angela Trovato Salinaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (T.G.); (R.S.); (R.F.); (R.D.); (D.I.); (A.F.P.); (R.M.); (R.D.P.)
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Coffman VR, Hall DJ, Pisanic N, Nadimpalli M, McCormack M, Diener-West M, Davis MF, Heaney CD. The use of personal protective equipment during common industrial hog operation work activities and acute lung function changes in a prospective worker cohort, North Carolina, USA. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [PMID: 33173898 DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.03.20205252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction As occupational activities related to acute industrial hog operation (IHO) worker lung function are not well defined, we aimed to identify IHO work activities associated with diminished respiratory function and the effectiveness, if any, of personal protective equipment (PPE) on IHOs. Methods From 2014-2015, 103 IHO workers were enrolled and followed for 16 weeks. At each bi-weekly visit, lung function measurements were collected via spirometry and work activities and PPE use were self-reported via questionnaire. Generalized linear and linear fixed-effects models were fitted to cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Results At baseline, increasing years worked on an IHO were associated with diminished lung function, but other activities were less consistent in direction and magnitude. In longitudinal models, only reports of working in feeding/finisher barns, showed a consistent association. However, a -0.3 L (95% confidence interval: -0.6, -0.04) difference in FEV 1 was estimated when workers wore PPE consistently versus those weeks they did not. In post-hoc analyses, we found that coveralls and facemasks were worn less consistently when workers experienced worse barn conditions and had more contact with pigs, but coveralls were worn more consistently as cleaning activities increased. Conclusions Similar to past studies, baseline estimates were likely obscured by healthy worker bias. Also making it challenging to disentangle the effect of work activities on lung function was the discovery that IHO workers used PPE differently according to work task. These data suggest that interventions may be targeted toward improving barn conditions so that workers can consistently utilize IHO-provided PPE. KEY MESSAGES What is already known about this subject?: Working on industrial hog operations may be deleterious to long- and short-term respiratory health due to airborne bacteria, endotoxin, hazardous gases, dust, and dander in barns. In efficacy studies PPE has been shown to be protective, but studies have shown that PPE utilization among hog workers has historically been sub-optimal.What are the new findings?: As barn conditions worsened and contact with pigs increased, workers in this cohort reported wearing coveralls and face masks less often; however, they reported increased PPE use as they conducted more cleaning activities at work. During weeks when workers wore PPE their lung function declined, a possible cause being the improper use of the equipment leading to a false sense of protection or re-exposure to hazardous contaminants.How might this impact on policy or clinical practice in the foreseeable future?: Given COVID-19, the H1N1 "swine flu" pandemic, our knowledge of antimicrobial resistant pathogens, and increasing awareness about how food systems are linked to the spread of emerging infectious diseases, occupational health intervention research and workplace policies may focus on creating barn environments that are more conducive to PPE use which could help protect workers and consequently the community.
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Sigsgaard T, Basinas I, Doekes G, de Blay F, Folletti I, Heederik D, Lipinska-Ojrzanowska A, Nowak D, Olivieri M, Quirce S, Raulf M, Sastre J, Schlünssen V, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Siracusa A. Respiratory diseases and allergy in farmers working with livestock: a EAACI position paper. Clin Transl Allergy 2020; 10:29. [PMID: 32642058 PMCID: PMC7336421 DOI: 10.1186/s13601-020-00334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Farmers constitute a large professional group worldwide. In developed countries farms tend to become larger, with a concentration of farm operations. Animal farming has been associated with negative respiratory effects such as work-related asthma and rhinitis. However, being born and raised or working on a farm reduces the risk of atopic asthma and rhinitis later in life. A risk of chronic bronchitis and bronchial obstruction/COPD has been reported in confinement buildings and livestock farmers. This position paper reviews the literature linking exposure information to intensive animal farming and the risk of work-related respiratory diseases and focuses on prevention. Animal farming is associated with exposure to organic dust containing allergens and microbial matter including alive microorganisms and viruses, endotoxins and other factors like irritant gases such as ammonia and disinfectants. These exposures have been identified as specific agents/risk factors of asthma, rhinitis, chronic bronchitis, COPD and reduced FEV1. Published studies on dust and endotoxin exposure in livestock farmers do not show a downward trend in exposure over the last 30 years, suggesting that the workforce in these industries is still overexposed and at risk of developing respiratory disease. In cases of occupational asthma and rhinitis, avoidance of further exposure to causal agents is recommended, but it may not be obtainable in agriculture, mainly due to socio-economic considerations. Hence, there is an urgent need for focus on farming exposure in order to protect farmers and others at work in these and related industries from developing respiratory diseases and allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sigsgaard
- Department of Environment Occupation & Health, Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Build. 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - I Basinas
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
| | - G Doekes
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - F de Blay
- Division of Asthma and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, University Hospital, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, Strasbourg University, Strasbourg, France
| | - I Folletti
- Occupational Medicine, Terni Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - D Heederik
- Division of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Lipinska-Ojrzanowska
- Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - D Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany.,Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich, Member DZL, German Centre for Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - M Olivieri
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - S Quirce
- Department of Allergy, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ) and CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Raulf
- IPA Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - J Sastre
- Department of Allergy, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (Ciberes), Madrid, Spain
| | - V Schlünssen
- Department of Environment Occupation & Health, Dept of Public Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, Build. 1260, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - J Walusiak-Skorupa
- Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland
| | - A Siracusa
- Formerly Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Younis F, Salem E, Salem E. Respiratory health disorders associated with occupational exposure to bioaerosols among workers in poultry breeding farms. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:19869-19876. [PMID: 32227302 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08485-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Working in poultry farms revealed the exposure to chemical and biological emissions (bioaerosols) that might be related to respiratory diseases in the workers and an increased loss in lung function. The current study aimed to determine the respiratory health status among poultry farm workers and to monitor the biological and the environmental conditions at ten poultry farms in Egypt. It reported that the total dust, ammonia (NH3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the studied poultry farms did not exceed the permissible exposure limits except farm V where NH3 was slightly exceeded the recommended levels. 35.7% of the poultry farm workers had positive nose and throat culture (bacterial and fungal). The poultry farm workers had higher prevalence of cough, wheeze, and shortness of breath with lower mean values of spirometric measurements than the controls (P < 0.05). Also, the positive culture poultry farm workers had significantly higher respiratory manifestations and lower spirometry values than negative culture ones (P < 0.05). Therefore, intervention programs for reducing the exposure are amendatory point for the health and safety of poultry farm workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faten Younis
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom City, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Eman Salem
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom City, Egypt
| | - Eman Salem
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-kom City, Menoufia, Egypt
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Woldeamanuel GG, Mingude AB, Yitbarek GY, Taderegew MM. Chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status in Ethiopian agricultural workers: a comparative study. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:86. [PMID: 32264856 PMCID: PMC7140312 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-020-1120-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related respiratory disorders are major contributors to the global burden of respiratory diseases. Agricultural workers are exposed to a number of dusts, which may contribute to the development of respiratory disorders. However, the knowledge about the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status in African farmers was limited. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function status of Ethiopian farmers exposed to farming activities. METHODS A community based comparative cross sectional study was conducted among 288 agricultural workers (farmers) aged 18 to 65 years and 288 control subjects (non-agricultural workers). Data were collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaires adopted from British Medical Research Council respiratory questionnaire and American Thoracic Society Division of Lung Diseases questionnaire. Moreover, all study participants underwent spirometry. RESULTS The prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was higher in farmers than in controls, with significant difference for cough (20.5% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.001) and phlegm (19.1% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.001). Chronic respiratory symptoms among farmers were significantly associated with duration of agricultural exposure (p = 0.014). The mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in farmers than in controls with significant difference for FVC, FEV1, FEF25%, FEF50%, FEF25-75% and PEFR. Moreover, the mean values of all spirometric parameters of farmers have found to be decreased with increased duration of workplace exposure. Lung function test results also showed a higher prevalence of obstructive (15.6% vs. 10.8%, p = 0.085) and restrictive type (12.8% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001) of pulmonary function impairment in farmers than in controls. However, the difference was not significant for obstructive type of impairment. CONCLUSION This study indicated that farmers are at high risk for the development of chronic respiratory symptoms and reduced pulmonary function indices. Hence, a comprehensive occupational safety practices are important to maintain the respiratory health of farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gashaw Garedew Woldeamanuel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, P.O. Box 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia.
| | - Alemu Basazin Mingude
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, Wolkite, Ethiopia
| | - Getachew Yideg Yitbarek
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mitku Mammo Taderegew
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wolkite University, P.O. Box 07, Wolkite, Ethiopia
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El-Zaemey S, Schinasi LH, Ferro G, Tual S, Lebailly P, Baldi I, Nordby KC, Kjaerheim K, Schüz J, Monnereau A, Brouwer M, Koutros S, Hofmann JN, Kristensen P, Kromhout H, Leon ME, Beane Freeman LE. Animal farming and the risk of lymphohaematopoietic cancers: a meta-analysis of three cohort studies within the AGRICOH consortium. Occup Environ Med 2019; 76:827-837. [PMID: 31302607 PMCID: PMC10304413 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2018-105655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal farming entails a variety of potential exposures, including infectious agents, endotoxins and pesticides, which may play a role in the aetiology of lymphohaematopoietic cancers (LHCs). The aim of this study was to assess whether farming specific animal species is associated with the risk of overall LHC or its subtypes. METHODS Data from three prospective cohort studies in the USA, France and Norway which are part of the Agricultural Cohort consortium and which collected information about animal farming and cancer were used. Analyses included 316 270 farmers and farm workers. Adjusted Cox models were used to investigate the associations of 13 histological subtypes of LHC (n=3282) with self-reported livestock (cattle, pigs and sheep/goats) and poultry (ever/never and numbers raised) farming. Cohort-specific HRs were combined using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS Ever animal farming in general or farming specific animal species was not meta-associated with overall LHC. The risk of myeloid malignancies decreased with increasing number of livestock (p trend=0.01). Increased risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms was seen with increasing number of sheep/goats (p trend <0.01), while a decreased risk was seen with increasing number of livestock (p trend=0.02). Between cohorts, we observed heterogeneity in the association of type of animal farmed and various LHC subtypes. CONCLUSIONS This large-scale study of three prospective agricultural cohorts showed no association between animal farming and LHC risk, but few associations between specific animal species and LHC subtypes were observed. The observed differences in associations by countries warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia El-Zaemey
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
- School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Leah H. Schinasi
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Séverine Tual
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail et Pathologie Professionnelle, Bordeaux, France
| | - Karl-Christian Nordby
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Joachim Schüz
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Alain Monnereau
- Hematological Malignancies Registry of Gironde, Bergonie Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM U1219 Center - EPICENE Team, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maartje Brouwer
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stella Koutros
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Petter Kristensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health (STAMI), Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maria E. Leon
- Section of Environment and Radiation, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), France
| | - Laura E. Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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El-Zaemey S, Carey RN, Darcey E, Reid A, Glass DC, Driscoll TR, Crewe J, Abramson MJ, Si S, Benke G, Fritschi L. The prevalence of exposure to high molecular weight asthmagens derived from plants among workers in Australia. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:824-830. [PMID: 30168149 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited information is available on exposure to high molecular weight (HMW) asthmagens derived from plants and on the main occupations and tasks that result in such exposure among workers. METHODS Data were collected as part of the Australian Work Exposures Study-Asthma. We estimated adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) using modified Poisson regression models to determine which factors were associated with exposure. RESULTS A 12.8% of 4878 workers were exposed to HMW asthmagens derived from plants. The highest prevalence of exposure was found among farmers/animal workers, education workers, and food processing workers. The main circumstances of exposure were through handling flour, freesias, or through raising livestock. Exposure was more common among female workers (aPR = 1.26, 1.10-1.43) than males, while it was lower among workers born overseas (aPR = 0.70, 0.57-0.86) than those born in Australia. CONCLUSION Prevention of exposure to HMW asthmagens derived from plants requires a broad strategy targeting different tasks and occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia El-Zaemey
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Renee N. Carey
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Ellie Darcey
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Alison Reid
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Deborah C. Glass
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Tim R. Driscoll
- School of Public Health; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Julie Crewe
- Lions Eye Institute; Nedlands Western Australia Australia
| | - Michael J. Abramson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Si Si
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
| | - Geza Benke
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Lin Fritschi
- School of Public Health; Curtin University; Bentley Western Australia Australia
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11
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Basinas I, Cronin G, Hogan V, Sigsgaard T, Hayes J, Coggins AM. Exposure to Inhalable Dust, Endotoxin, and Total Volatile Organic Carbons on Dairy Farms Using Manual and Automated Feeding Systems. Ann Work Expo Health 2018; 61:344-355. [PMID: 28355415 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxw023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Agricultural workers tend to have high exposures to organic dusts which may induce or exacerbate respiratory disorders. Studies investigating the effect of work tasks and farm characteristics on organic dust exposures among farm workers suggest that handling of animal feed is an important exposure determinant; however, the effect of the animal feeding system has not been explored in any detail. Objectives To measure the exposure of Irish dairy farmers to inhalable dust, endotoxin, and total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) during parlour work and to explore whether levels of exposure to these agents depend on the applied feeding system in the farms. Methods Thirty-eight personal exposure measurements were collected from farmers across seven dairy farms. The farms used manual, loft, or semi-automated feeding systems. Information on worker tasks and farm characteristics was collected during the surveys. Associations between exposure concentrations and feeding systems, worker tasks, and other farm characteristics were explored in linear mixed-effect regression models with farmer identity treated as a random effect. Results Exposure concentrations were variable and had a geometric mean (GM; geometric standard deviation) of 1.5 mg m-3 (1.8) for inhalable dust and 128 EU m-3 (2.5) for endotoxin. More than 50% of the exposure measurements for endotoxin, and organic dust exceeded recommended health-based occupational exposure limits. Endotoxin levels were somewhat lower in farms using semi-automatic feeding systems when compared to those using manual feeding systems but in multivariate regression analysis associations were not statistically significant (β = -0.54, P = 0.4). Performance of activities related to handling and spreading of hay or straw was the strongest determinant for both inhalable dust and endotoxin exposure (β = 0.78, P ≤ 0.001; β = 0.72, P = 0.02, respectively). The level of dust exposure increased also as a consequence of a lower outdoor temperature, and higher ratio of distributed feed per cow (P = 0.01). Stationary measurements of TVOC and CO2 concentrations inside the dairy parlours had a GM of 180 ppb (1.9) and 589 ppb (1.3), respectively. The use of cow teat disinfectants and building ventilation were both strong predictors of TVOC concentrations within parlours. Conclusions Dairy farm workers can be exposed to high and variable levels of inhalable dust and endotoxin and may be at risk of respiratory disease. Results from this study suggest that exposure control strategies for organic dusts and TVOCs exposures should consider building ventilation and work tasks such as spreading of bedding material, using spray disinfectants and animal feeding. Until effective permanent engineering controls are established farm workers should be encouraged to wear respiratory protective equipment during these tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Basinas
- Centre for Human Exposure Science, Institute of Occupational medicine, Research Avenue North, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK
| | - Garvin Cronin
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland, Univeristy Road, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Victoria Hogan
- School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland, Univeristy Road, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Center, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, bg 1260, Aarhus C 8000, Denmark
| | - James Hayes
- Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Hospital Group, Cavan & Monaghan Hospitals, Cavan, Ireland
| | - Ann Marie Coggins
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland, Univeristy Road, Galway H91TK33, Ireland
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12
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Burkes RM, Gassett AJ, Ceppe AS, Anderson W, O'Neal WK, Woodruff PG, Krishnan JA, Barr RG, Han MK, Martinez FJ, Comellas AP, Lambert AA, Kaufman JD, Dransfield MT, Wells JM, Kanner RE, Paine R, Bleecker ER, Paulin LM, Hansel NN, Drummond MB. Rural Residence and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations. Analysis of the SPIROMICS Cohort. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2018; 15:808-816. [PMID: 29584453 PMCID: PMC6207115 DOI: 10.1513/annalsats.201710-837oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Rural residence is associated with poor outcomes in several chronic diseases. The association between rural residence and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations remains unclear.Objectives: In this work, we sought to determine the independent association between rural residence and COPD-related outcomes, including COPD exacerbations, airflow obstruction, and symptom burden.Methods: A total of 1,684 SPIROMICS (Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study) participants with forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity < 0.70 had geocoding-defined rural-urban residence status determined (N = 204 rural and N = 1,480 urban). Univariate and multivariate logistic and negative binomial regressions were performed to assess the independent association between rurality and COPD outcomes, including exacerbations, lung function, and symptom burden. The primary exposure of interest was rural residence, determined by geocoding of the home address to the block level at the time of study enrollment. Additional covariates of interest included demographic and clinical characteristics, occupation, and occupational exposures. The primary outcome measures were exacerbations determined over a 1-year course after enrollment by quarterly telephone calls and at an annual research clinic visit. The odds ratio (OR) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of exacerbations that required treatment with medications, including steroids or antibiotics (total exacerbations), and exacerbations leading to hospitalization (severe exacerbations) were determined after adjusting for relevant covariates.Results: Rural residence was independently associated with a 70% increase in the odds of total exacerbations (OR, 1.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.13-2.56]; P = 0.012) and a 46% higher incidence rate of total exacerbations (IRR 1.46 [95% CI, 1.02-2.10]; P = 0.039). There was no association between rural residence and severe exacerbations. Agricultural occupation was independently associated with increased odds and incidence of total and severe exacerbations. Inclusion of agricultural occupation in the analysis attenuated the association between rural residence and the odds and incidence rate of total exacerbations (OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.00-2.32]; P = 0.05 and IRR 1.39 [95% CI, 0.97-1.99]; P = 0.07). There was no difference in symptoms or airflow obstruction between rural and urban participants.Conclusions: Rural residence is independently associated with increased odds and incidence of total, but not severe, COPD exacerbations. These associations are not fully explained by agriculture-related exposures, highlighting the need for future research into potential mechanisms of the increased risk of COPD exacerbations in the rural population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amanda J Gassett
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and
| | - Agathe S Ceppe
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Wayne Anderson
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Wanda K O'Neal
- Marsico Lung Institute/Cystic Fibrosis Research Center, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Prescott G Woodruff
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Jerry A Krishnan
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois
| | - R Graham Barr
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - MeiLan K Han
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Fernando J Martinez
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Allison A Lambert
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joel D Kaufman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and
| | - Mark T Dransfield
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - J Michael Wells
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Richard E Kanner
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Robert Paine
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Eugene R Bleecker
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Immunologic Diseases, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and
| | - Laura M Paulin
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nadia N Hansel
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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13
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Ngajilo D, Singh T, Ratshikhopha E, Dayal P, Matuka O, Baatjies R, Jeebhay MF. Risk factors associated with allergic sensitization and asthma phenotypes among poultry farm workers. Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:515-523. [PMID: 29574825 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the risk factors for occupational allergic sensitization and various asthma phenotypes in poultry-workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study of 230 workers used a modified ECRHS questionnaire, spirometry, FeNO, Phadiatop, and sIgE to poultry farming related allergens. RESULTS Worker's mean age was 37 ± 9 years, 68% male, 43% current-smokers, 34% atopic, and 5% casual-workers. The prevalence of non-atopic asthma (NAA = 7%) was higher than atopic-asthma (AA = 5%) and probable allergic occupational-asthma (OA = 3%). Sensitization to at least one poultry farming related allergen was 24%. Workers sensitized to chicken-specific-allergens were more likely to be atopic (ORunadj = 20.9, 95%CI: 4.7-93.2) or employed as casual-workers (ORunadj = 6.0, 95%CI: 1.1-35.9). Work-related chest symptoms were associated the rearing-department (ORadj = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2-8.4) and exposure to high gas/dust/fumes (ORadj = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.4-9.5). Airflow reversibility (ORadj = 10.9, 95%CI: 2.0-60.3) was significantly associated with casual-work status. CONCLUSION Allergic and non-allergic mechanisms play a role in asthma development among poultry-workers with casual workers demonstrating increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy Ngajilo
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town Western Cape South Africa
| | - Tanusha Singh
- National Institute for Occupational Health; National Health Laboratory Services; Immunology and Microbiology Section; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Pathology; University of Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - Edith Ratshikhopha
- National Institute for Occupational Health; National Health Laboratory Services; Immunology and Microbiology Section; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Pathology; University of Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - Payal Dayal
- National Institute for Occupational Health; National Health Laboratory Services; Immunology and Microbiology Section; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - Onnicah Matuka
- National Institute for Occupational Health; National Health Laboratory Services; Immunology and Microbiology Section; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; School of Pathology; University of Witwatersrand; Johannesburg Gauteng South Africa
| | - Roslynn Baatjies
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town Western Cape South Africa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies; Faculty of Applied Sciences; Cape Peninsula University of Technology; Cape Town South Africa
| | - Mohamed F. Jeebhay
- Division of Occupational Medicine and Centre for Environmental and Occupational Health Research; School of Public Health and Family Medicine; University of Cape Town; Cape Town Western Cape South Africa
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14
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Mamane A, Raherison C, Tessier JF, Baldi I, Bouvier G. Environmental exposure to pesticides and respiratory health. Eur Respir Rev 2016; 24:462-73. [PMID: 26324808 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.00006114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory effects of environmental exposure to pesticides are debated. Here we aimed to review epidemiological studies published up until 2013, using the PubMed database. 20 studies dealing with respiratory health and non-occupational pesticide exposure were identified, 14 carried out on children and six on adults. In four out of nine studies in children with biological measurements, mothers' dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) blood levels during pregnancy were associated with asthma and wheezing in young children. An association was also found between permethrin in indoor air during pregnancy and wheezing in children. A significant association between asthma and DDE measured in children's blood (aged 7-10 years) was observed in one study. However, in three studies, no association was found between asthma or respiratory infections in children and pesticide levels in breast milk and/or infant blood. Lastly, in three out of four studies where post-natal pesticide exposure of children was assessed by parental questionnaire an association with respiratory symptoms was found. Results of the fewer studies on pesticide environmental exposure and respiratory health of adults were much less conclusive: indeed, the associations observed were weak and often not significant. In conclusion, further studies are needed to confirm whether there is a respiratory risk associated with environmental exposure to pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mamane
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897-Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Chantal Raherison
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897-Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service des Maladies Respiratoire, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Isabelle Baldi
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897-Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service de Médecine du Travail, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ghislaine Bouvier
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897-Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
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15
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Mamane A, Baldi I, Tessier JF, Raherison C, Bouvier G. Occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory health. Eur Respir Rev 2016; 24:306-19. [PMID: 26028642 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.00006014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This article aims to review the available literature regarding the link between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory symptoms or diseases. Identification of epidemiological studies was performed using PubMed. 41 articles were included, 36 regarding agricultural workers and five regarding industry workers. Among the 15 cross-sectional studies focusing on respiratory symptoms and agricultural pesticide exposure, 12 found significant associations with chronic cough, wheeze, dyspnoea, breathlessness or chest tightness. All four studies on asthma found a relationship with occupational exposure, as did all three studies on chronic bronchitis. The four studies that performed spirometry reported impaired respiratory function linked to pesticide exposure, suggestive of either obstructive or restrictive syndrome according to the chemical class of pesticide. 12 papers reported results from cohort studies. Three out of nine found a significant relationship with increased risk of wheeze, five out of nine with asthma and three out of three with chronic bronchitis. In workers employed in pesticide production, elevated risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (two studies out of three) and impaired respiratory function suggestive of an obstructive syndrome (two studies out of two) were reported. In conclusion, this article suggests that occupational exposure to pesticides is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis, but the causal relationship is still under debate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mamane
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
| | - Isabelle Baldi
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service de Médecine du Travail, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Chantal Raherison
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France Service des Maladies Respiratoires, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ghislaine Bouvier
- ISPED - Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, INSERM U897, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France ISPED - Centre INSERM U897 - Epidémiologie-Biostatistique, Bordeaux, France
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16
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Stoleski S, Minov J, Mijakoski D, Karadzinska-Bislimovska J. Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Function in Agricultural Workers - Influence of Exposure Duration and Smoking. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2015; 3:158-65. [PMID: 27275215 PMCID: PMC4877777 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2015.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 01/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Job exposure in agricultural workers often leads to respiratory impairment. AIM To assess the influence of exposure duration and smoking on chronic respiratory symptoms and ventilatory capacity in agricultural workers. METHODS A cross-sectional study covered 75 agricultural workers, compared with an equal number of office workers matched by age, exposure duration and smoking status. Standardized questionnaire was used to obtain data on chronic respiratory symptoms, job and smoking history. Lung functional testing was performed by spirometry. RESULTS The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher in agricultural workers, with significant difference for cough (P = 0.034), and dyspnea (P = 0.028). Chronic respiratory symptoms among agricultural workers were significantly associated with duration of exposure (P < 0.05) and daily smoking (P < 0.01), as well as with daily smoking in controls (P < 0.01). The average values of spirometric parameters in exposed workers were significantly different for MEF50 (P = 0.002), MEF75 (P = 0.000), and MEF25-75 (P = 0.049). Obstructive changes in small airways in exposed workers were strongly related to exposure duration (P < 0.05) and smoking (P < 0.01). Agricultural workers with job exposure more than 15 years had more expressed adverse respiratory symptoms and lung function decline. CONCLUSION The results confirmed the influence of agricultural exposure and daily smoking on chronic respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation, primarily targeting the small airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saso Stoleski
- Institute for Occupational Health of Republic of Macedonia - Skopje, WHO Collaborating Center, Ga2len Collaborating Center, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Jordan Minov
- Institute for Occupational Health of Republic of Macedonia - Skopje, WHO Collaborating Center, Ga2len Collaborating Center, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Dragan Mijakoski
- Institute for Occupational Health of Republic of Macedonia - Skopje, WHO Collaborating Center, Ga2len Collaborating Center, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
| | - Jovanka Karadzinska-Bislimovska
- Institute for Occupational Health of Republic of Macedonia - Skopje, WHO Collaborating Center, Ga2len Collaborating Center, Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
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Liu S, Chen D, Fu S, Ren Y, Wang L, Zhang Y, Zhao M, He X, Wang X. Prevalence and Risk Factors for Farmer’s Lung in Greenhouse Farmers: An Epidemiological Study of 5,880 Farmers from Northeast China. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 71:1051-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-0308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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18
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Stoleski S, Minov J, Karadzinska-Bislimovska J, Mijakoski D. Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Farmers: Severity and Work-Relatedness. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2014.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in farmers, with emphasize to their severity and work-relatedness due occupational risk factors and farming characteristics.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed including 60 cow breeders aged 21 to 65 years, compared to an equal number of agricultural farmers matched by age, job exposure duration, and smoking status. We have used a questionnaire to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed work history, specific farming activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included lung function spirometry tests, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing.RESULTS: We found higher prevalence of work related respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in cow breeders with significant difference for phlegm (P = 0.039), and wheezing (P = 0.026). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in cow breeders, reaching significance for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Significant difference was found for mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness among cow breeders with job exposure of more than 15 years. The risk of developing work-related respiratory symptoms increased significantly with full-time farming, exposure to gases and vapors, and keeping more than 10 cows.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in farmers may cause respiratory impairment which is closely related to its duration, characteristics, and intensity. The results suggest that cow breeders in general have higher rates of work-related respiratory symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness than agricultural farmers, whereas their severity increases with an increase in frequency and duration of animal contact.
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Reynolds SJ, Nonnenmann MW, Basinas I, Davidson M, Elfman L, Gordon J, Kirychuck S, Reed S, Schaeffer JW, Schenker MB, Schlünssen V, Sigsgaard T. Systematic review of respiratory health among dairy workers. J Agromedicine 2014; 18:219-43. [PMID: 23844790 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2013.797374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The dairy industry is changing on a global scale with larger, more efficient operations. The impact of this change on worker health and safety, specifically, associations between occupational lung disease and inhalation exposures, has yet to be reported in a comprehensive review of the scientific literature. Therefore, a three-tier process was used to identify information using a keyword search of online databases of scientific literature. Of the 147 citations reviewed, 52 met initial screening criteria, and 30 were included in this review. Dairy workers experience lung conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, chronic bronchitis, and cancer. Recent pulmonary function studies have identified obstructive lung changes among dairy farm workers. The increased scale of dairy production with significant changes in technology and work practices has altered inhalation exposure patterns among dairy workers. The inhalation exposure in the dairy work environment may elicit differing inflammatory responses in relation to timing of initial exposure as well as to repeated exposures. Few studies have measured inhalation exposure while simultaneously assessing the impact of the exposure on lung function of dairy farm workers. Even fewer studies have been implemented to assess the impact of aerosol control technology to reduce inhalation exposure. Future research should evaluate worker exposure to aerosols through a task-based approach while utilizing novel methods to assess inhalation exposure and associated inflammatory responses. Finally, potential solutions should be developed and tested to reduce inhalation exposure to inflammatory agents and respiratory diseases in the dairy farm work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Reynolds
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
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Baldi I, Robert C, Piantoni F, Tual S, Bouvier G, Lebailly P, Raherison C. Agricultural exposure and asthma risk in the AGRICAN French cohort. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2013; 217:435-42. [PMID: 24070717 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 08/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have reported an increased risk of respiratory diseases in agricultural population, but a protective "farm-effect" has also been reported for asthma. In the AGRICAN cohort, self-reported doctor-diagnosed asthma was analyzed according to allergy, in relation with history of life-time exposure to 13 crops and 5 livestock, pesticide exposure and early life on a farm, taking into account sex, age, education and body mass index. Among the 1246 asthmatics (8.0%), 505 were allergic (3.3%) and 719 non-allergic (4.6%). In multivariate analysis, a significant excess was observed, only for allergic asthma, in vine-growing (OR=1.43, p=0.002), fruit-growing (OR=1.58, p=0.001), greenhouses (OR=1.66, p=0.02), grasslands (OR=1.35, p=0.009), beets (OR=1.52, p=0.003) and horses (OR=1.35, p=0.04). Pesticide use and history of pesticide poisoning were significantly associated with allergic asthma in grassland, vineyards and fruit-growing and with non-allergic asthma in beets. Living on a farm in the first year of life tended to be protective for childhood allergic asthma in farms with livestock (OR=0.72, p=0.07) but deleterious in farms with vineyards, fruit or vegetables (OR=1.44, p=0.07). In AGRICAN, an increased risk of allergic asthma was observed with crop exposure, pesticide use and early life on a farm, especially in vine-growing, grassland, beets, fruit and vegetable-growing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Baldi
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Médecine du Travail, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
| | - Céline Robert
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Florence Piantoni
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Séverine Tual
- INSERM, UMR1086-Cancers et Préventions, F-14000 Caen, France; Univ. Caen Basse-Normandie, F-14000 Caen, France; Centre François Baclesse, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Ghislaine Bouvier
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- INSERM, UMR1086-Cancers et Préventions, F-14000 Caen, France; Univ. Caen Basse-Normandie, F-14000 Caen, France; Centre François Baclesse, F-14000 Caen, France
| | - Chantal Raherison
- Université Bordeaux, ISPED, Laboratoire Santé Travail Environnement, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; INSERM, ISPED, Centre INSERM U897-Epidemiologie-Biostatistique, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CHU de Bordeaux, Service de Pneumologie, F-33400 Pessac, France
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Boskabady MH, Karimiani EG, Vostacolaei HA. Respiratory Symptoms and Pulmonary Function Changes among Carpet Weavers in Iran. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 13:369-75. [DOI: 10.1179/oeh.2007.13.4.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Pulmonary function reductions among potentially susceptible subgroups of agricultural workers in Colorado and Nebraska. J Occup Environ Med 2012; 54:632-41. [PMID: 22576462 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31824d2e1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Organic dust inhalation has been associated with adverse respiratory responses among agricultural workers. We evaluated factors that may confer increased susceptibility to these health effects. METHODS We quantified personal work shift exposures to inhalable dust, endotoxin, and its 3-hydroxy fatty acid constituents, and evaluated changes in pulmonary function among 137 grain elevator, cattle feedlot, dairy, and corn farm workers. RESULTS Increased dust exposure was associated with work shift reductions in lung function. Although interpretation is limited because of small samples, a suggestion of stronger exposure-response relationships was observed among smokers, as well as workers reporting pesticide/herbicide application, asthma, or allergies, and those with genetic polymorphisms (TLR4) (Pinteraction ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of factors leading to increased susceptibility of adverse respiratory outcomes is needed to optimize exposure reduction strategies and develop more comprehensive wellness programs.
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Poole JA. Farming-associated environmental exposures and effect on atopic diseases. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2012; 109:93-8. [PMID: 22840248 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2011.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Revised: 12/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jill A Poole
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy Division, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68198-5300, USA.
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Baur X, Bakehe P, Vellguth H. Bronchial asthma and COPD due to irritants in the workplace - an evidence-based approach. J Occup Med Toxicol 2012; 7:19. [PMID: 23013890 PMCID: PMC3508803 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-7-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED BACKGROUND Respiratory irritants represent a major cause of occupational obstructive airway diseases. We provide an overview of the evidence related to irritative agents causing occupational asthma or occupational COPD. METHODS We searched MEDLINE via PubMed. Reference lists of relevant reviews were also screened. The SIGN grading system was used to rate the quality of each study. The modified RCGP three-star system was used to grade the body of evidence for each irritant agent regarding its causative role in either occupational asthma or occupational COPD. RESULTS A total of 474 relevant papers were identified, covering 188 individual agents, professions or work-sites. The focus of most of the studies and the predominant diagnosis was occupational asthma, whereas occupational COPD arose only incidentally.The highest level assigned using the SIGN grading was 2+ (well-conducted systematic review, cohort or case-control study with a low risk of confounding or bias). According to the modified RCGP three-star grading, the strongest evidence of association with an individual agent, profession or work-site ("**") was found for 17 agents or work-sites, including benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylicacid-1,2-anhydride, chlorine, platinum salt, isocyanates, cement dust, grain dust, animal farming, environmental tobacco smoke, welding fumes or construction work. Phthalic anhydride, glutaraldehyde, sulphur dioxide, cotton dust, cleaning agents, potrooms, farming (various), foundries were found to be moderately associated with occupational asthma or occupational COPD ("*[+]"). CONCLUSION This study let us assume that irritant-induced occupational asthma and especially occupational COPD are considerably underreported. Defining the evidence of the many additional occupational irritants for causing airway disorders will be the subject of continued studies with implications for diagnostics and preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xaver Baur
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Prudence Bakehe
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Vellguth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
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Choudhry AH, Reynolds SJ, Mehaffy J, Douphrate DI, Gilmore K, Levin JL, Nonnenmann MW. Evaluation of parlor cleaning as an intervention for decreased occupational exposure to dust and endotoxin among dairy parlor workers--a pilot study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2012; 9:D136-D140. [PMID: 22702233 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2012.691410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aika H Choudhry
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA
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Ige OM, Arinola OG, Oluwole O, Falade AG, Falusi AG, Aderemi T, Huo D, Olopade OI, Olopade CO. Atopy is associated with asthma in adults living in rural and urban southwestern Nigeria. J Asthma 2011; 48:894-900. [PMID: 21861770 DOI: 10.3109/02770903.2011.608458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Factors affecting the course of asthma are not clearly understood in rural and urban communities within low-resource countries. Furthermore, the interactions between atopy, environmental exposure, and helminthic infections in modulating asthma have not been well investigated. OBJECTIVES To conduct a feasibility study to examine the relationship between atopy and asthma in adults at two rural Health Centers and urban university college hospital in southwestern Nigeria. METHODS A convenient sample of 55 consecutive patients with stable physician-diagnosed asthma and 55 age-matched nonasthmatic controls seen at the outpatient clinics in two rural Health Centers and an urban university hospital were enrolled. All subjects underwent blood test, allergy skin test, and stool examination for ova and parasites. Wilcoxon sign-rank tests were used to compare serum eosinophilia and allergy skin test between the two groups. RESULTS Asthmatics in both urban and rural settings had significantly more positive skin reactions to house dust mite, cockroach, mold, and mouse epithelium than nonasthmatic controls (p < .05). Mean total serum IgE was also significantly higher in asthmatics than in nonasthmatic controls (360 vs. 90 IU/L, p <.001). Stool parasitemia was infrequent in both groups and not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Atopy is associated with adult asthma in southwest Nigeria. Larger studies to confirm the nature of this association and to examine the role of helminthic infection and other environmental factors on the expression of asthma are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- O M Ige
- College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria
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Ethnic, racial, and gender variations in health among farm operators in the United States. Ann Epidemiol 2008; 18:179-86. [PMID: 18280919 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2007.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Revised: 09/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/27/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to collect baseline prevalence data on the health problems faced by minority, white, and female farm operators. METHODS An occupational health survey of farm operators was conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service between February and August 2000. A stratified random sample of farm operators from 50 U.S. states based on the 1997 Census of Agriculture was selected for telephone interview. Interviews were primarily conducted using a computer assisted telephone instrument system. RESULTS Population prevalences were calculated for 7137 farm operators. Prevalences were greatest for musculoskeletal discomfort, followed by respiratory problems, hearing loss, and hypertension. Generally, Latino and Asian American operators had lower prevalences for health problems than white non-Latino and white operators, respectively. African-American operators had greater prevalences for hypertension, and osteoarthritis, but lower prevalences for hearing loss, skin problems, heart problems, and cancer than white operators. American Indian or Alaska Native operators had higher prevalences for musculoskeletal problems, skin problems, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Prevalences for the different ethnicity and race groups are not the same. Studies that combine racial and ethnic groups, or study only white and non-Latino farm operators may overestimate or underestimate the prevalence of health conditions in the entire farm operator population.
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Rundell KW, Slee JB, Caviston R, Hollenbach AM. Decreased lung function after inhalation of ultrafine and fine particulate matter during exercise is related to decreased total nitrate in exhaled breath condensate. Inhal Toxicol 2008; 20:1-9. [PMID: 18236215 DOI: 10.1080/08958370701758593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate PM(1) inhalation during exercise on lung function, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO), and total nitrate (NO3), S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). Inhalation of combustion-derived PM is associated with adverse respiratory health. A mechanistic action of PM on lung function is not defined; however, nitrosative/oxidative stress is likely. Prior to and after two 30-min exercise bouts 4-5 days apart, inhaling low (7382 +/- 1727 particles cm(- 3)) or high (252,290 +/- 77,529 particles cm(- 3)) PM(1), 12 nonasthmatic males performed spirometry and eNO and EBC collection. Normal resting lung function did not change after low PM(1) exercise. After high PM(1) exercise, FEV(1) and FEF(25-75) fell significantly (p = .0005, p = .002) and was related to [PM(1)] (r = -.55, p = .005 and r =-.61, p = .002; respectively); 11- and 52-ml decreases were calculated for each 20,000 particles cm(- 3) increase for FEV and FEF(25-75). NO3 did not change after low PM(1) exercise (30.5% increase), but significantly decreased by 43.8% after high PM(1) exercise, and correlated with lung function changes (r = .63, and r = .54 for FEV(1) and FEF(25-75), respectively; p = .001 and p = .007). No change in GSNO was observed. Alveolar NO decreased after high PM(1) conditions (p = .02); eNO pre-to-post difference was related to changes in FEV(1) (r = .60, p = .002). MDA increased 40% after low PM exercise (NS) and increased 208% after high PM exercise (p = .06). Thus, high PM(1) inhalation during exercise caused a reduced alveolar contribution to eNO; NO3 and eNO variables were decreased and were related to impaired lung function. Decreased NO(3) and eNO may be due to superoxide/NO formation of peroxynitrite, resulting in lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth W Rundell
- College of Health and Human Services, Center for Healthy Families, Marywood University, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18509, USA.
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Hoppin JA, Umbach DM, London SJ, Henneberger PK, Kullman GJ, Alavanja MCR, Sandler DP. Pesticides and atopic and nonatopic asthma among farm women in the Agricultural Health Study. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2008; 177:11-8. [PMID: 17932376 PMCID: PMC2176117 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.200706-821oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Risk factors for asthma among farm women are understudied. OBJECTIVES We evaluated pesticide and other occupational exposures as risk factors for adult-onset asthma. METHODS Studying 25,814 farm women in the Agricultural Health Study, we used self-reported history of doctor-diagnosed asthma with or without eczema and/or hay fever to create two case groups: patients with atopic asthma and those with nonatopic asthma. We assessed disease-exposure associations with polytomous logistic regression. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS At enrollment (1993-1997), 702 women (2.7%) reported a doctor's diagnosis of asthma after age 19 years (282 atopic, 420 nonatopic). Growing up on a farm (61% of all farm women) was protective for atopic asthma (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.70) and, to a lesser extent, for nonatopic asthma (OR, 0.83; 95%CI, 0.68-1.02; P value for difference = 0.008). Pesticide use was almost exclusively associated with atopic asthma. Any use of pesticides on the farm was associated only with atopic asthma (OR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.14-1.87). This association with pesticides was strongest among women who had grown up on a farm. Women who grew up on farms and did not apply pesticides had the lowest overall risk of atopic asthma (OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.27-0.62) compared with women who neither grew up on farms nor applied pesticides. A total of 7 of 16 insecticides, 2 of 11 herbicides, and 1 of 4 fungicides were significantly associated with atopic asthma; only permethrin use on crops was associated with nonatopic asthma. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that pesticides may contribute to atopic asthma, but not nonatopic asthma, among farm women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Hoppin
- NIEHS Epidemiology Branch, MD A3-05, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233, USA.
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Faria NMX, Facchini LA, Fassa AG, Tomasi E. [Farm work, dust exposure and respiratory symptoms among farmers]. Rev Saude Publica 2007; 40:827-36. [PMID: 17301904 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-89102006005000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2005] [Accepted: 04/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Environmental working conditions in rural areas, notably exposure to organic and mineral dusts, have been associated with increases in respiratory diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among farmers and the associations of these with occupational risk factors. METHODS This cross-sectional study was undertaken in 1996 with 1,379 farmers from Southern Brazil. Sociodemographic and farming-production parameters were collected, as were levels of exposure to organic and mineral dusts. Respiratory symptoms were assessed by a modified version of American Thoracic Society-Division of Lung Disease questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in analyses, controlling for confounding factors. RESULTS The majority (52%) of interviewees worked in activities with intense exposure to dust. Workers on farms with better economic indicators had a lower prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Poultry workers showed more symptoms of chronic respiratory disease (OR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.05-2.42). Farmers exposed to high concentrations of dust had more than 70% higher risk of asthma symptoms (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.10-2.67) and chronic respiratory disease symptoms (OR=1.77; 95% CI: 1.25-2.50). CONCLUSIONS The rural workers studied herein were exposed to high levels of organic and mineral dusts. Those exposed to higher dust concentrations, such as poultry workers, showed an increased risk of work-related respiratory symptoms. The implementation of respiratory protection programs is recommended, emphasizing workers involved with poultry production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neice Müller Xavier Faria
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Epidemiologia, Departamento de Medicina Social, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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Chen Y, Rennie D, Cormier Y, McDuffie H, Pahwa P, Dosman J. Reduced risk of atopic sensitization among farmers: the Humboldt study. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2007; 144:338-42. [PMID: 17664888 DOI: 10.1159/000106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2006] [Accepted: 04/11/2007] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It needs to be clarified whether farming is associated with a reduced risk of atopy or allergic condition. There is a lack of consistent evidence for prevalences of atopy, respiratory allergy and asthma in adult farmers. METHODS A cross-sectional study of adults (n = 2,081) was conducted in the town of Humboldt, Sask. Allergy skin prick tests were conducted to determine atopic sensitization. Respiratory allergy and physician-diagnosed asthma were based on self-reporting. Logistic regression was used to assess the associations of atopy, respiratory allergy and asthma with farming practices, adjusting for other important variables. RESULTS Of 2,081 participants, 27.8% were farmers. Reduced risks of atopic sensitization, respiratory allergy and asthma were observed among farmers compared to non-farmers. After adjustment for sex and age, which are major confounders, the odds ratio for atopic sensitization was 0.79 (95% confidence interval: 0.65, 0.97) for farmers versus non-farmers. Asthma showed a similar trend; however, there was no statistically significant difference in either respiratory allergy or asthma rates observed between farmers and non-farmers. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of atopy was lower in adult farmers than in non-farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ont., Canada.
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Hashemi N, Mirsadraee M, Shakeri MT, Varasteh AR. Prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms in Iranian farmers. Can Respir J 2006; 13:198-202. [PMID: 16779464 PMCID: PMC2683279 DOI: 10.1155/2006/967895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal exposure may be an important trigger for work-related symptoms among farmers. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms (WRS) in sheep breeders and agricultural farmers and to determine work-related risk factors. METHODS A family doctor used a questionnaire to interview a cohort of 173 farmers comprised of 127 sheep breeders and 46 agricultural farmers in the rural area of Rokh (northeast Iran). The questionnaire pertained to recurrent wheezing, cough, breathlessness or chronic phlegm while at work (these symptoms define WRS), flu-like illness and physician-diagnosed asthma. RESULTS There were 71 subjects (41%) with WRS: 10 of 46 agricultural farmers (21.7%) and 61 of 127 sheep breeders (48.0%). The proportions of sheep breeders with wheezing (16.5%), asthma (14%), cough (29%), breathlessness (31.5%) and flu-like illness (38%) were higher than in agricultural farmers. A significant dose-response relationship among the daily hours worked with animals, the number of animals and the prevalence of symptoms was established for sheep farmers. Sheep shearing and the use of pesticide were associated with an increased risk of wheezing and phlegm. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that sheep farmers in general have higher rates of work-related symptoms than agricultural farmers. The severity of work-related symptoms will increase with an increase in frequency of animal contact; therefore, these results may underestimate the impact of this exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Hashemi
- International Institute of Health Studies, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Hoppin JA, Umbach DM, London SJ, Lynch CF, Alavanja MCR, Sandler DP. Pesticides associated with wheeze among commercial pesticide applicators in the Agricultural Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 2006; 163:1129-37. [PMID: 16611668 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwj138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are potential risk factors for respiratory disease among farmers, but farmers are also exposed to other respiratory toxicants. To explore the association of pesticides with wheeze in a population without other farming exposures, the authors analyzed data from 2,255 Iowa commercial pesticide applicators enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study. Controlling for age, smoking status, asthma and atopy history, and body mass index, the authors calculated odds ratios for the relationship between wheeze and 36 individual pesticides participants had used during the year before enrollment (1993-1997). Eight of 16 herbicides were associated with wheeze in single-agent models; however, the risk was almost exclusively associated with the herbicide chlorimuron-ethyl (odds ratio (OR) = 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.25, 2.10). Inclusion of chlorimuron-ethyl in models for the other herbicides virtually eliminated the associations. The odds ratios for four organophosphate insecticides (terbufos, fonofos, chlorpyrifos, and phorate) were elevated when these chemicals were modeled individually and remained elevated, though attenuated somewhat, when chlorimuron-ethyl was included. The association for dichlorvos, another organophosphate insecticide, was not attenuated by chlorimuron-ethyl (OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.66). Dose-response trends were observed for chlorimuron-ethyl, chlorpyrifos, and phorate; the strongest odds ratio was for applying chlorpyrifos on more than 40 days per year (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.65). These results add to the emerging literature linking organophosphate insecticides and respiratory health and suggest a role for chlorimuron-ethyl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane A Hoppin
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, US Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2233, USA.
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Yeatts K, Sly P, Shore S, Weiss S, Martinez F, Geller A, Bromberg P, Enright P, Koren H, Weissman D, Selgrade M. A brief targeted review of susceptibility factors, environmental exposures, asthma incidence, and recommendations for future asthma incidence research. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2006; 114:634-40. [PMID: 16581558 PMCID: PMC1440793 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.8381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2005] [Accepted: 12/01/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Relative to research on effects of environmental exposures on exacerbation of existing asthma, little research on incident asthma and environmental exposures has been conducted. However, this research is needed to better devise strategies for the prevention of asthma. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences held a conference in October 2004 to collaboratively discuss a future research agenda in this area. The first three articles in this mini-monograph summarize the discussion on potential putative environmental exposure; they include an overview of asthma and conclusions of the workshop participants with respect to public health actions that could currently be applied to the problem and research needs to better understand and control the induction and incidence of asthma, the potential role of indoor/outdoor air pollutants in the induction of asthma), and biologics in the induction of asthma. Susceptibility is a key concept in the U.S. EPA "Asthma Research Strategy" document and is associated with the U.S. EPA framework of protecting vulnerable populations from potentially harmful environmental exposures. Genetics, age, and lifestyle (obesity, diet) are major susceptibility factors in the induction of asthma and can interact with environmental exposures either synergistically or antagonistically. Therefore, in this fourth and last article we consider a number of "susceptibility factors" that potentially influence the asthmatic response to environmental exposures and propose a framework for developing research hypotheses regarding the effects of environmental exposures on asthma incidence and induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Yeatts
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Brunner WM, Lindgren PG, Langner DM, Williams AN, Yawn BP. Asthma among rural Minnesota adolescents. J Asthma 2006; 42:787-92. [PMID: 16316875 DOI: 10.1080/02770900500308460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the prevalence of and risk factors for wheezing and asthma in rural Minnesota adolescents. A survey querying about wheezing, asthma, farm residence, and other respiratory-related factors was administered to all 9th to 11th grade students (N = 13,490) in a stratified, random sample of high schools in rural Minnesota. Nearly one in 8 (12.6%) students reported ever-diagnosed asthma, and 9.2% reported current asthma. Students living on farms reported less wheezing and asthma than rural non-farm students. Obesity and smoking were associated with wheezing and asthma in all rural adolescents. Asthma rates increased with age among girls and may be largely accounted for by simultaneous increases in smoking rates. Despite the apparent protective effect of farm residence, asthma remains a significant public health issue among rural Minnesota adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M Brunner
- Chronic Disease and Environmental Epidemiology Section, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, Minnesota 55440-9441, USA.
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Wjst M. Another explanation for the low allergy rate in the rural Alpine foothills. Clin Mol Allergy 2005; 3:7. [PMID: 15935102 PMCID: PMC1177973 DOI: 10.1186/1476-7961-3-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2005] [Accepted: 06/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A low allergy rate in coal and wood heated homes has been described in the small villages in the Alpine foothills and subsequently found to be associated with the farming environment. This was interpreted within the framework of the hygiene hypothesis but there are also alternative explanations. Lower air pollution could be one reason, which is, however, unlikely since the differences between the Bavarian countryside and the Munich municipal area were only weak. There could be genetic differences between the urban and rural population by previous isolation or by self-selection. The potential drop-out of allergy genes, however, will also not explain the absent increase of allergies in two generations. More likely, other lifestyle factors are important. Dietary habits are different in farmers and a less frequent vitamin D supplementation of newborns (otherwise expected to be allergy promoting) has been shown recently. The underlying cause for the "non-allergic farm child" remains speculative until the transfer of any farm-associated factor is leading to a similar risk reduction in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Wjst
- Institut für Epidemiologie GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit Ingolstädter, Landstrasse 1 D-85758, Neuherberg/Munich, Germany.
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Lynch CF, Sprince NL, Heywood E, Pierce J, Logsden-Sackett N, Pennybacker M, Alavanja MCR. Comparison of Farmers in the Agricultural Health Study to the 1992 and 1997 Censuses of Agriculture. J Agromedicine 2005; 10:13-22. [PMID: 15927914 DOI: 10.1300/j096v10n01_03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The Agricultural Health Study (AHS) is a large, prospective cohort study in the states of Iowa and North Carolina that has been developed to better understand how pesticides and other agricultural exposures relate to the occurrence of cancer and other diseases. PURPOSE This report compares the characteristics of AHS farmers to the Census of Agriculture to evaluate the generalizability of AHS findings. METHODS We restricted the AHS to private pesticide applicators who enrolled in Iowa (n = 31,065) and in North Carolina (n = 17,239) between 1993 and 1997, and who identified themselves as living or working on a farm. We compared their self-reported data with data from the 1992 and 1997 Censuses of Agriculture. FINDINGS AHS farmers in Iowa are younger; live or work on larger farms; more frequently apply herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides; and are more likely to raise beef cattle and swine, and grow corn, soybeans, hay, and oats. AHS farmers in North Carolina are also younger, live or work on larger farms, more frequently reported growing crops commonly seen in the state, and are more frequent pesticide users. However, animals raised are similar to those in the North Carolina Census of Agriculture. CONCLUSIONS AHS farmers likely represent the higher end of pesticide usage in both states in part because AHS farmers have larger farms. Since the health effects of pesticides are best ascertained among pesticide users with the greatest exposure, the AHS cohort should prove to be a valuable resource for health effects research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles F Lynch
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Blair A, Sandler D, Thomas K, Hoppin JA, Kamel F, Coble J, Lee WJ, Rusiecki J, Knott C, Dosemeci M, Lynch CF, Lubin J, Alavanja M. Disease and injury among participants in the Agricultural Health Study. J Agric Saf Health 2005; 11:141-50. [PMID: 15931940 PMCID: PMC1237013 DOI: 10.13031/2013.18180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Agricultural Health Study (www.aghealth.org) is a cohort of 89,658 pesticide applicators and their spouses from Iowa and North Carolina assembled between 1993 and 1997 to evaluate riskfactorsfor disease in ruralfarm populations. This prospective study is just now reaching sufficient maturity for analysis of many disease endpoints. Nonetheless, several analyses have already provided interesting and important leads regarding disease patterns in agricultural populations and etiologic clues for the general population. Compared to the mortality experience of the general population in the two states (adjusted for race, gender, age and calendar time), the cohort experienced a very low mortality rate overall and for many specific causes and a low rate of overall cancer incidence. A few cancers, however, appear elevated, including multiple myeloma and cancers of the lip, gallbladder, ovary, prostate, and thyroid, but numbers are small for many cancers. A study of prostate cancer found associations with exposure to several pesticides, particularly among individuals with a family history of prostate cancer. Links to pesticides and other agricultural factors have been found for injuries, retinal degeneration, and respiratory wheeze. Methodological studies have determined that information collected by interview is unbiased and reliable. A third round of interviews scheduled to begin in 2005 will collect additional information on agricultural exposures and health outcomes. The study can provide data to address many health issues in the agricultural community. The study investigators welcome collaboration with interested scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Blair
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Executive Plaza South, Room 8118, Bethesda, Maryland 20892 , USA.
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Jenkins PL, Earle-Richardson G, Bell EM, May JJ, Green A. Chronic disease risk in central New York dairy farmers: results from a large health survey 1989-1999. Am J Ind Med 2005; 47:20-6. [PMID: 15597357 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The agricultural workplace presents a variety of health and safety hazards; it is unknown whether farm work may be a risk factor for certain chronic diseases. METHODS The health survey data from a large rural population in central New York were used from two studies (1989, 1999) to assess both 1999 prevalence and 10-year incidence of self-reported diabetes, heart disease, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension among farm (predominantly dairy) and non-farm residents. The 1999 asthma prevalence was also assessed. RESULTS Multiple logistic regression models for 1999 prevalence found statistically significant protective effects of farming for hypertension (OR=0.83, P=0.0105) and hypercholesterolemia (OR=0.853, P=0.0522). Non-significant results were seen for heart disease (OR=0.67, P=0.128) and diabetes (OR=0.856, P=0.1358). The model for 1999 asthma prevalence showed a significantly elevated risk for farming (OR=1.542, P=0.0004). Logistic models created for the 10-year incidence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and heart disease did not show a significant effect for farming. CONCLUSIONS The protective effect of farming observed for the 1999 prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia was not seen for the 10-year incidence of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Jenkins
- Bassett Research Institute, Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown, New York 13326, USA.
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Abstract
The prevalence of asthma and other atopic diseases has recently increased, especially in urban and modernized regions of the world. The majority of published prevalence surveys report that asthma and atopy are less common among children living in rural areas. While many exposures differ in rural and urban areas of the world, several recent studies have suggested that agricultural exposures in early childhood may decrease the risk of developing atopic disease. Livestock exposure, in particular, seems to be important, but additional research is needed to pinpoint the underlying mechanisms behind this apparent protective effect of rural and farm living. Additionally, prospective studies are needed to more closely examine the timing of farm exposures in relation to the onset of asthma and atopy, and to determine if the apparent protective effects of farming persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Naleway
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon 97227, USA.
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