Katja Radon1, Vera Ehrenstein, Georg Praml, Dennis Nowak. 1. Institute for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Unit for Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology & Net Teaching, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. katja.radon@med.uni-muenchen.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several studies reported protective effects of farming environments against atopic diseases. Therefore, we aimed to establish the relevant timing of exposure in early life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural town. Overall, 4,537 inhabitants aged 18-44 years were eligible. Of these, 3,112 (69%) responded to a postal questionnaire on atopic diseases, life-time exposure to farming environments, and potential confounders. RESULTS: Those with regular childhood exposure to animal buildings had a significantly reduced risk of nasal allergies. The greatest reduction in risk was seen for respondents starting regular visits to animal stables during the 1st year of life or between ages 3 and 5. Participants reporting start of exposure after age 5 remained at a lower risk for nasal allergies (0.70, 0.49-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: The preventive effect of animal buildings' exposure against atopic respiratory diseases continues into adulthood. The magnitude of the effect appears to be age-dependent.
BACKGROUND: Several studies reported protective effects of farming environments against atopic diseases. Therefore, we aimed to establish the relevant timing of exposure in early life. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural town. Overall, 4,537 inhabitants aged 18-44 years were eligible. Of these, 3,112 (69%) responded to a postal questionnaire on atopic diseases, life-time exposure to farming environments, and potential confounders. RESULTS: Those with regular childhood exposure to animal buildings had a significantly reduced risk of nasal allergies. The greatest reduction in risk was seen for respondents starting regular visits to animal stables during the 1st year of life or between ages 3 and 5. Participants reporting start of exposure after age 5 remained at a lower risk for nasal allergies (0.70, 0.49-1.01). CONCLUSIONS: The preventive effect of animal buildings' exposure against atopic respiratory diseases continues into adulthood. The magnitude of the effect appears to be age-dependent.
Authors: Thomas W McDade; Paula S Tallman; Linda S Adair; Judith Borja; Christopher W Kuzawa Journal: Am J Phys Anthropol Date: 2011-08-24 Impact factor: 2.868
Authors: Anna Karoliina Haarala; Suvi-Päivikki Sinikumpu; Eeva Vaaramo; Jari Jokelainen; Markku Timonen; Juha Auvinen; Juha Pekkanen; Laura Huilaja Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-07-02 Impact factor: 3.390