Occupational Exposure to Particulate Matter and Respiratory Symptoms in Portuguese Swine Barn Workers

Abstract

Certain environmental conditions in animal and plant production have been associated with increased frequency in respiratory illnesses, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, in farmers occupationally exposed in swine production. The aim of this study was to characterize particulate matter (PM) contamination in seven Portuguese swine farms and determine the existence of clinical symptoms associated with asthma and other allergy diseases, utilizing the European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire. Environmental assessments were performed with portable direct-reading equipment, and PM contamination including five different sizes (PM_0.5, PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM_5.0, PM₁₀) was determined. The distribution of particle size showed the same trend in all swine farms, with high concentrations of particles with PM₅ and PM₁₀. Results from the questionnaire indicated a trend such that subjects with diagnosis of asthma were exposed to higher concentrations of PM with larger size (PM_2.5, PM₅, and PM₁₀) while subjects with sneezing, runny nose, or stuffy nose without a cold or flu were exposed to higher concentrations of PM with smaller size (PM_0.5 and PM₁). Data indicate that inhalation of PM in swine farm workers is associated with increased frequency of respiratory illnesses.

Acknowledgments

The study would not have been possible to develop without the assistance of the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture, Portuguese Ministry of Health, and also swine farmers. Financial support was given by the Portuguese Authority of Working Conditions.