Influence of horse stable environment on human airways.
Abstract: Many people spend considerable amount of time each day in equine stable environments either as employees in the care and training of horses or in leisure activity. However, there are few studies available on how the stable environment affects human airways. This study examined in one horse stable qualitative differences in indoor air during winter and late summer conditions and assessed whether air quality was associated with clinically detectable respiratory signs or alterations to selected biomarkers of inflammation and lung function in stable personnel. Methods: The horse stable environment and stable-workers (n = 13) in one stable were investigated three times; first in the winter, second in the interjacent late summer and the third time in the following winter stabling period. The stable measurements included levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, total and respirable dust, airborne horse allergen, microorganisms, endotoxin and glucan. The stable-workers completed a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, underwent nasal lavage with subsequent analysis of inflammation markers, and performed repeated measurements of pulmonary function. Results: Measurements in the horse stable showed low organic dust levels and high horse allergen levels. Increased viable level of fungi in the air indicated a growing source in the stable. Air particle load as well as 1,3-beta-glucan was higher at the two winter time-points, whereas endotoxin levels were higher at the summer time-point. Two stable-workers showed signs of bronchial obstruction with increased PEF-variability, increased inflammation biomarkers relating to reported allergy, cold or smoking and reported partly work-related symptoms. Furthermore, two other stable-workers reported work-related airway symptoms, of which one had doctor's diagnosed asthma which was well treated. Conclusions: Biomarkers involved in the development of airway diseases have been studied in relation to environmental exposure levels in equine stables. Respirable dust and 1,3-beta-glucan levels were increased at winter stabling conditions. Some employees (3/13) had signs of bronchial obstruction, which may be aggravated by working in the stable environment. This study contributes to the identification of suitable biomarkers to monitor the indoor horse stable environment and the personnel. An improved management of the stable climate will be beneficial for the health of both stable workers and horses.
Publication Date: 2009-05-25 PubMed ID: 19467158PubMed Central: PMC2693518DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-4-10Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The presented research examines the quality of air in horse stables and its impact on the respiratory health of stable workers. The key findings are an increased level of certain pollutants in the air during winter and signs of bronchial obstruction in some stable workers.
Research Background and Aim
- The authors outline the necessity of this study based on the fact that many people, be it stable workers or horse enthusiasts, spend considerable time in equine stables without proper understanding of how this environment influences their health.
- The study was designed to explore the variations in indoor air quality during winter and late summer seasons in a horse stable, and to understand if this air quality could be associated with noticeable respiratory symptoms or changes in select inflammation and lung function markers of those working in the stable.
Methodology
- The research was conducted over three rounds at a single horse stable. The investigation times included winter, late summer and the subsequent winter to record variations.
- The air quality was measured based on levels of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide, total and respirable dust, airborne horse allergen, microorganisms, endotoxin and glucan.
- The participants, 13 stable workers, responded to a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, went through nasal lavage – a procedure to wash the nasal cavity, which was then analyzed for inflammation markers, and undertook repeated pulmonary function measurements.
Results
- The stable’s air quality showed low levels of organic dust but high levels of horse allergen. They also observed a surge in viable fungal levels, indicating an escalating source in the stables.
- The air particle load and 1,3-beta-glucan levels were higher during winter, implying worse air quality. Conversely, endotoxin levels were higher during summer.
- Two workers displayed signs of bronchial obstruction, shown by increased variability in peak expiratory flow, elevated inflammation markers, and partially work-related symptoms. Besides, two other workers reported work-related respiratory issues, with one of them being a diagnosed asthma patient receiving appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
- The research concludes by pinpointing biomarkers that may be associated with the development of airway diseases due to exposure levels in horse stables, particularly under winter conditions.
- It suggests that having better stable management strategies would be beneficial for both the workers and horses’ health.
- Moreover, the study helps by highlighting potential biomarkers that could be monitored in horse stables and their personnel to ensure optimal air quality and prevent health hazards.
Cite This Article
APA
Elfman L, Riihimäki M, Pringle J, Wålinder R.
(2009).
Influence of horse stable environment on human airways.
J Occup Med Toxicol, 4, 10.
https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-4-10 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. lena.elfman@medsci.uu.se.
References
This article includes 26 references
Citations
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