Prevalence of respirator use among farm operators in the U.S., 2006

To estimate national prevalence of respirator/dust mask use and to describe hazards for which respirators/dust masks are used on the farm among primary farm operators.

We analyzed the 2006 Farm and Ranch Safety Survey data collected for 12,278 actively farming primary farm operators. Weighted prevalence and prevalence odds ratios (PORs) of respirator/dust mask use were calculated using SAS® survey procedures based on the response to the question “In the last 12 months, have you/the farm operator used a respirator or dust mask on your farm or ranch?”

Of the estimated 2.1 million farm operators, 38% reported respirator/dust mask use on their farm. Respirator/dust mask use prevalence was significantly higher among: males than females (40% versus 25%; POR=2.1); operators aged 16–34 years than those aged ≥65 years (47% versus 31%; POR=2.1); operators on crop farms than livestock farms (42% versus 34%; POR=1.4); those on ≥1000 acre farms than on <101 acre farms (56% versus 34%; POR=2.4); and among operators with current asthma than those with no current asthma (50% versus 37%; POR=1.8). Of operators using respirators/dust masks, 70% reported respirator/dust mask use when working in dusty environments, 23% when using pesticides and 30% for other farm-work activities. Respirator/dust mask use was most frequently reported by operators handling or applying fumigants (65%).

Prevalence of respirator/dusk mask use varied significantly across population subgroups. Additional studies are needed to better understand factors associated with respirator use on farms including operators' knowledge on the proper respirator selection, use, and maintenance.