Lung dysfunction in animal confinement workers--chairman's report to the Scientific Committee of the Third International Symposium: issues in health, safety and agriculture, held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, May 10-15, 1992.

The session traced the course of health hazards in livestock confinement from anticipation of an emerging health hazard in 1974 to its full recognition as a significant health hazard in 1992. The session documented the major health hazards including hydrogen sulfide toxicity, bronchitis, non-allergic asthma, organic dust toxic syndrome, and mucus membrane irritation. In regard to exposures, bioaerosols seem to be the most significant hazard, with endotoxin evident as at least one of the major specific atiologic agents. Other agents were suspected, as newly recognized agents, specifically 1,3 beta-glucan. Previous epidemiological studies have revealed mild decrements in pulmonary function, however symptoms have always been excessively prevalent relative to controls. Recent results of a longitudinal observation showed a 12% drop out of workers with profound decrement in pulmonary function. In summary, the health hazard of livestock confinement workers is now well substantiated in North America and Europe and further work regarding prevention is highly indicated.