The principal health risks for swine workers result from a wide range of hazards. In addition , noise, trauma, fires, explosions, electrocutions, thermal stress, poisonings, and drownings are important causes of morbidity and mortality. Often overlooked are emotional stress, chronic pain, and fatigue, which can lead to significant impairment and put the worker at additional risk. Most of these are readily understood and preventive measures are established and available, but often not implemented. Respiratory disease in swine confinement workers receives even less preventive attention.
Inhalation exposures are common and lead to significant morbidity among swine farmers.
There are confined space entry hazards in swine farming and related deaths from hydrogen sulfide are not uncommon. Respiratory problems associated with this environment include upper respiratory tract, airways disease, interstitial, and mixed airways and interstitial lung diseases. Lung disease in swine confinement consists of acute and long-term lung insults that may lead to chronic declines in lung function. Frequent upper respiratory tract problems include sinusitis and rhinitis. Sinusitis is often chronic in confinement workers.