Respiratory Health in Poultry Workers in Romania

Previous studies have proved that the effects of exposure on poultry farms workers can range from lower lung function to acute and chronic inflammation, immune responses, and obstructive ventilatory function changes. Although the exposure level is strongly influenced by the working environment, it is also moderated by a behavioral component namely use of respiratory protective measures. This is a a cross-sectional pilot study of respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function and use of respiratory protective measures in two groups of workers in poultry farms in Romania.The study involved poultry workers (N=35, 60% females) from Cluj County, Romania. The average age of workers was 47 ranging from 30 to 60 years. 40% of the participants were obese while 31% were overweight. The overall percentage of “currently smokers” was 43% (71% from the total number of males, 24% from the total number of females), while 11% were ex-smokers (7% from the total number of males, 14% from the total number of females). The average number of smoked cigarettes per day was 17. The spirometry examination showed that 54% of workers had ventilatory dysfunction of an obstructive type (29% in males, 43% in females) and 9 % had ventilatory dysfunction of a mixed type (7% in males, 9% in females). Data from questionnaires and spirometry tests showed a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases in the population of poultry workers as compared to general population. The results of this pilot study will set ground for a future comprehensive study and for potential policy proposal.