WHY ARE DEATHS FROM LUNG-DISEASES MORE FR EQUENT AMONG THE FARMING POPULATION

During the period 1988-1992 deaths from lung diseases were more freque nt among the farming population according to Swiss mortality data. The age-standardized proportional mortality rate (PMR) is 127 for all the lung diseases (ICD-8 460-519), 140 for bronchitis and asthma (ICD-8 4 90-493), 137 for asthma alone (ICD-8 493) and 841 for pneumoconiosis d ue to organic dust (ICD-8 516.1+.2). Stock-farmers showed a mortality pattern for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease opposite to that of vegetable farmers and wine-growers. This increased mortality among far mers is paradoxical in the light of the more frequent tolerance for ae roallergens among the children of farmers, the conservative style of h ousing and living as well as received ideas about working in natural a nd therefore healthy air. Insufficient knowledge of the multifactorial risks of natural pathogenic organic substances and of dangerous work are just as important for the pathogenesis of these diseases and death s as the changed social and cultural values with the consequences on i nsurance policy. These factors affect optimal prophylaxis (limitation of air pollution, safety measures, job change and measures in order to achieve adequate social security).