Occupational hazards for veterinary surgeons responsible for intensive pigherds. II. The effect of air pollution on the health of veterinarians

A number of human health problems associated with veterinarians responsible for intensively managed pig herds exist. Respiratory disorders and other problems related to inhaling gases, endotox ins, dust and unpleasant odours in such environments are of concern. These were evaluated via a questionnaire-based study of 168 veterinarians, subdiv ided into two groups. Group I comprised 102 veterinarians less than 40 year s of age and Group 2 comprised 66 veterinarians 40 years of age or older. Marked differences were observed between individuals not working with pigs and the pig veterinarians and between the two age groups of practitioners. Nasal congestion and increased nasal secretions were recorded by 10.7% of G roup I and 18.1% of Group 2; bronchitis with coughing was recorded by 30% G roup 1 and 48.4% of Group 2; headache was recorded by 4.6% of Group 1 and 4 0.5% of Group 2, and seasonally related respiratory illness was recorded by 59.8% of Group 1 and 16.6% of Group 2. Minor differences, from 1.9% to 7.5 % were observed with respect to conjunctivitis, pulmonary disease with pyre xia, chronic fatigue and odour aversion, and were regarded as not being rel evant. None of the individuals involved reported panic attack triggered by unpleasant odours.