Air pollution from livestock farms, and asthma, allergic rhinitis and COPD among neighbouring residents

OBJECTIVES: There is an ongoing debate regarding environmental health risks of exposures to dust and microbial agents from livestock farming in the Netherlands. The aims of the study were (1) to investigate associations between indicators of air pollution from livestock farms and asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among neighbouring residents; and (2) to assess associations between farm exposures and endotoxin levels in participants' homes. METHODS: Electronic medical records of all 92 548 patients of 27 general practices in a rural area with a high dens... Mehr ...