Proximity to livestock farms and exposure to livestock-related particulate matter are associated with lower probability of medication dispensing for obstructive airway diseases.

CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the probability of dispensing medication for asthma or COPD is inversely associated with proximity to livestock farms and modelled exposure to livestock-related PM10 in multiple regions within the Netherlands. This finding implies a notable prevented risk: under the assumption of absence of livestock farms in the Netherlands, an estimated 2%-5% more persons (an increase in tens of thousands) in rural areas would receive asthma or COPD medication.
PMID: 33129168 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Source: International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental health - October 28, 2020 Category: Environmental Health Authors: Post PM, Houthuijs D, Sterk HAM, Marra M, van de Kassteele J, van Pul A, Smit LAM, van der Hoek W, Lebret E, Hogerwerf L Tags: Int J Hyg Environ Health Source Type: research