'Hotspots' of livestock farms may influence lung function of neighboring residents

Abstract

Background and aims: Only few studies used objective respiratory health data to evaluate the potential health risk of residential proximity to livestock farms. This study aims to explore associations between proximity to livestock farms and lung function in a general, non-farming population of adults living in a rural area. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2494 Dutch adults (20-72 yrs). A pre- and post-bronchodilator lung function test was conducted, and %predicted values were computed for FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75%, using GLI-2012 prediction equations. Atopy was assessed in serum: specific IgE to common allergens or a total IgE ≥ 100 IU/ml. Distance to the nearest pig, poultry, cattle, or any farm, and number of farms within 500 and 1000 m of the home address were determined using a Geographic Information System. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and generalized additive models (smoothing). Results: Linear associations between lung function parameters and exposure to emissions of livestock farms were all non-significant. However, smoothed plots indicated a steep decrease of %predicted values of FEV1 and FEF25-75% for subjects living near a large number of farms. A lower FEV1 (-1.86, p=0.06) and FEF25-75% (-4.50, p=0.03) was found in subjects living within 1000 m of ≥17 farms (11.3% of the study population) compared to subjects living within 1000 m of Conclusions: Our results suggest a negative effect on respiratory health for people living in 9hotspots9 of livestock farms, possibly due to dust or endotoxin exposure.