ACUTE EFFECTS OF THE WORK-ENVIRONMENT ON PULMONARY FUNCTIONS OF SWINE CONFINEMENT WORKERS

A sample population of owner/operators of swine confinement production facilities (21 subjects in 21 different facilities) were tested by spirometry immediately before and after a 4 h work period. These confinement workers had statistically significant decrements in flow rates ranging from 3.3% (mean FVC [forced vital capacity]) to 11.9% (mean FEF25-75 [25-75% forced expiratory flow]). The air within the work environment was sampled for particulates and gases during the exposure period. There was suggestive evidence for a dose-response association between environmental exposures to CO2 and H2S. There was also some evidence for an additive relationship between smoking and work environment exposure on decline in lung function. Those working in swine confinement buildings experienced irritation to the respiratory tract which was manifest by decreased flow rates. This exposure represented an emerging occupational health hazard. Further studies are warranted to assess the potential for chronic or irreversible damage to the respiratory tract.