Risk Factors for Chronic Bronchitis among Non-Smoking Farm Women in the agricultural Health Study

Burden of obstructive lung disease in a rural setting in the Philippines

“…The present study also showed that occupational exposures related to farming may contribute significantly to the development of COPD. Respiratory hazards for farm workers include organic and inorganic dusts, pesticides and other chemicals, as well as gases and fumes, which in theory may lead to chronic airflow limitation on prolonged exposure 20–22 . Studies on farmers involved in a variety of agricultural activities have generally shown an increase in respiratory symptoms and diagnoses of chronic bronchitis, although changes in lung function have been variable 21–26 .…”

“…Respiratory hazards for farm workers include organic and inorganic dusts, pesticides and other chemicals, as well as gases and fumes, which in theory may lead to chronic airflow limitation on prolonged exposure. [20][21][22] Studies on farmers involved in a variety of agricultural activities have generally shown an increase in respiratory symptoms and diagnoses of chronic bronchitis, although changes in lung function have been variable. [21][22][23][24][25][26] A study from Austria showed that farming was significantly associated with airways obstruction.…”

“…[20][21][22] Studies on farmers involved in a variety of agricultural activities have generally shown an increase in respiratory symptoms and diagnoses of chronic bronchitis, although changes in lung function have been variable. [21][22][23][24][25][26] A study from Austria showed that farming was significantly associated with airways obstruction. For GOLD stage I or higher disease the OR was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.1-2.0) and for GOLD stage II or higher disease the OR was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.2-2.7).…”

Pesticide use and chronic bronchitis among farmers in the agricultural health study

“…Seven of the eleven pesticides associated with chronic bronchitis were insecticides. Five of these (carbaryl, DDT, diazinon, malathion, and permethrin use on animals) were also significantly associated with chronic bronchitis among non-smoking farm women [Valcin, et al 2007]. All these chemicals are commonly used products [Kirrane, et al 2004] and thus more likely to have sufficient power to observe significant results among farm women who were not licensed pesticide applicators.…”

“…Pesticides have been associated with cough and phlegm among participants in the Singapore Chinese Health Study [LeVan et al, 2005]. Recently, specific pesticides have been associated with chronic bronchitis among non-smoking farm women in the AHS [Valcin et al, 2007]. To further explore the association of pesticides with chronic bronchitis, we analyzed data for the farmer pesticide applicators in the AHS.…”