Associations between Bioaerosol Exposures and Lung Function Changes among Dairy Workers in Colorado

Objective:Limited studies have examined effects of bioaerosols on the respiratory health of dairy workers; previous findings have been inconsistent across populations.Methods:Using a repeated measures design, exposures to dust, bioaerosols, and ozone were assessed and pre-and post-shift spirometry was performed for dairy workers (n=36). Workers completed 1 to 8 visits. Linear mixed effect models estimated associations between air pollutant constituents and changes in spirometry.Results:There was an association between higher dust exposures and increased peak expiratory flow rate. However, for all other outcomes there was no association with the exposures considered.Conclusions:Relationships between bioaerosol exposures and respiratory health in dairy workers remain unclear. Future studies should increase sample sizes, include repeated measures designs, vary the timing of spirometry measurements, and include markers for Gram positive bacteria such as muramic acid or peptidoglycan.