Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

[Guest guest]

Sep 29, 2006 - Children who live on a farm are less likely to have

asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates.

H Dimich-Ward, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver,

and colleagues suggest that contact with livestock may be too

simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in

childhood allergies and asthma.

The researchers studied 1158 participants, aged between 8 and 20

years, who were members of the British Columbia 4-H program, an

agriculturally based youth education program that promotes the

development of traditional skills in animal husbandry and

horticulture.

All the participants completed questionnaires detailing their age;

gender; whether or not they owned a pet; their living environment,

including exposure to second-hand smoke; their regularity of contact

with livestock; the presence of asthma and allergies; and other

variables.

Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a

rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without

livestock.

A total of 317 of the participants also underwent a skin prick test

to confirm or discount allergic sensitization.

The researchers found that living on a farm was associated with a

significantly lower risk of having asthma and allergies.

Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis,

and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a

rural non-livestock area.

The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with

respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

and fed.

There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock

on allergic sensitization.

Dimich-Ward and team conclude: " Our findings of decreased allergic

symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence

in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of

the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic

conditions in 4-H youth.

" The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for

contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the

relationships related to farming are real and pervasive. "

However, they add: " Further research is needed to determine what

aspects of the farm environment may explain this phenomenon of

reduced asthma and allergic symptoms among youth living on farms. "

Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36: 1122–1129

Free abstract: http://www.blackwell-

synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02556.x

--------------

regards,

Wane

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH

Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality

MICHAELS ENGINEERING

" Real Professionals. Real Solutions. "

Phone , ext. 484

Cell

Fax

mailto:wab@...

On the web at: http://www.michaelsengineering.com

" To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything

be more fun? "

- Graham

[Guest guest]

Hi Wane,

That is a really interesting one, if I am reading it right. Looks to me like the researchers are saying that children who live in environments that have continued, low dose, inhalation exposure to animal antigens - that may cause asthma or allergy, are possibly less likely to develop asthma or allergy.

Am I reading that right? If so, another good reason to let your children have a new puppy!

Sharon

"Children who live on a farm are less likely to have asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates." "contact with livestock may be too simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in childhood allergies and asthma."

"Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without livestock." "Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis, and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a rural non-livestock area.""The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed and fed.""There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock on allergic sensitization.""Our findings of decreased allergic symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic conditions in 4-H youth.""The protective associations found for consistent farm residence throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the relationships related to farming are real and pervasive."

[Guest guest]

Sounds like early exposure to allergens can amount to a "vaccination" for the immune system. It would be interesting to find out when this mechanism is no longer in play during child development.

D. Carlson, CIAQC, CMRS

Liesch Associates, Inc.

-----Original Message-----From: Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH Sent: Sunday, October 08, 2006 10:49 PMTo: iequality Subject: Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

Sep 29, 2006 - Children who live on a farm are less likely to have asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates.H Dimich-Ward, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, and colleagues suggest that contact with livestock may be too simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in childhood allergies and asthma.The researchers studied 1158 participants, aged between 8 and 20 years, who were members of the British Columbia 4-H program, an agriculturally based youth education program that promotes the development of traditional skills in animal husbandry and horticulture.All the participants completed questionnaires detailing their age; gender; whether or not they owned a pet; their living environment, including exposure to second-hand smoke; their regularity of contact with livestock; the presence of asthma and allergies; and other variables.Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without livestock.A total of 317 of the participants also underwent a skin prick test to confirm or discount allergic sensitization.The researchers found that living on a farm was associated with a significantly lower risk of having asthma and allergies.Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis, and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a rural non-livestock area.The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed and fed.There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock on allergic sensitization.Dimich-Ward and team conclude: "Our findings of decreased allergic symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic conditions in 4-H youth."The protective associations found for consistent farm residence throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the relationships related to farming are real and pervasive."However, they add: "Further research is needed to determine what aspects of the farm environment may explain this phenomenon of reduced asthma and allergic symptoms among youth living on farms."Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36: 1122-1129Free abstract: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02556.x--------------regards,Wane<><><><><><><><><><><> Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality MICHAELS ENGINEERING"Real Professionals. Real Solutions." Phone , ext. 484 Cell Fax mailto:wabmichaelsengineering On the web at: http://www.michaelsengineering.com "To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?" - Graham

[Guest guest]

For what it is worth...

I have no doubts or differences with the study provided by Mr. Baker. I can

see the benefits of my own family; we live on a 400-acre ranch and my kids

seem to have much less sickness, and no allergies, than our City-bound

friends. I am also pleased to see that the researchers used 4-H kids - I am

a former 4-Her, my family is heavily involved with 4-H, and I expect to stay

involved with 4-H for the next 20+ years. However, what concerns me is the

possible public perception that childhood contact with farms and/or

livestock will lessen asthma or allergy injuries to youth. I hope the urban

Mom does not infer from this study that there is merit to packing-up her

kids to visit the City zoo, or a petting zoo, for an " immunity boost. "

While I believe there is merit to contaminant sensitization (i.e.,

homeopathy) to develop a stronger immunity system in children, I also

believe there is much more to it than merely farm-contact. From my

perspective, rural kids (in general) do one thing in particular that is much

more prevalent that many urban kids - they get outside and play and they do

it often. There are a lot of benefits to frequent outdoor activity and play

for youth, and I am not referring solely to organized sports. Moreover,

given all the issues we discuss on this forum regarding IAQ contaminants,

outdoor activity lessens exposure to indoor contaminants. (Outdoor activity

also gets kids away from the TV!)

Given what we all know regarding contaminants in the home, and the benefits

of frequent outdoor activities for youth, would it not seem plausible that

the positive aspects identified in this study are more associated with

lessened indoor exposure, frequent outdoor activity, AND homeopathic

sensitization?

Just a thought.

--

Geyer, PE, CIH, CSP

President

KERNTEC Industries, Inc.

Bakersfield, California

www.kerntecindustries.com

On 10/8/06 8:48 PM, " Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH "

wrote:

> Sep 29, 2006 - Children who live on a farm are less likely to have

> asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates.

>

> H Dimich-Ward, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver,

> and colleagues suggest that contact with livestock may be too

> simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in

> childhood allergies and asthma.

>

> The researchers studied 1158 participants, aged between 8 and 20

> years, who were members of the British Columbia 4-H program, an

> agriculturally based youth education program that promotes the

> development of traditional skills in animal husbandry and

> horticulture.

>

> All the participants completed questionnaires detailing their age;

> gender; whether or not they owned a pet; their living environment,

> including exposure to second-hand smoke; their regularity of contact

> with livestock; the presence of asthma and allergies; and other

> variables.

>

> Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

> in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a

> rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without

> livestock.

>

> A total of 317 of the participants also underwent a skin prick test

> to confirm or discount allergic sensitization.

>

> The researchers found that living on a farm was associated with a

> significantly lower risk of having asthma and allergies.

>

> Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

> diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis,

> and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a

> rural non-livestock area.

>

> The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

> or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with

> respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

> livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

> and fed.

>

> There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

> with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

> protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock

> on allergic sensitization.

>

> Dimich-Ward and team conclude: " Our findings of decreased allergic

> symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence

> in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of

> the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic

> conditions in 4-H youth.

>

> " The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

> throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for

> contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the

> relationships related to farming are real and pervasive. "

>

> However, they add: " Further research is needed to determine what

> aspects of the farm environment may explain this phenomenon of

> reduced asthma and allergic symptoms among youth living on farms. "

>

> Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36: 1122–1129

>

> Free abstract: http://www.blackwell-

> synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02556.x

>

> --------------

>

> regards,

>

> Wane

>

> <><><><><><><><><><><>

> Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH

> Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality

> MICHAELS ENGINEERING

> " Real Professionals. Real Solutions. "

>

> Phone , ext. 484

> Cell

> Fax

>

> mailto:wab@...

> On the web at: http://www.michaelsengineering.com

>

> " To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything

> be more fun? "

> - Graham

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> FAIR USE NOTICE:

>

> This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been

> specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material

> available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political,

> human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc.

> We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as

> provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title

> 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit

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> material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use',

> you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.

>

[Guest guest]

Another thing to think about (which may or may not have

been addressed in this study,) is how many more hours per day these children

are outside, playing, doing chores, etc. Being the mother of a 7 yr. old,

I am amazed at how many of my son’s friends never play outside! If

it’s not above 100 degrees or below 40 D – my kid is forced to play

outside as much as possible. One of his favorite pastimes is to play “cars”

on a mound of dirt by our back yard, and he’s one of the healthiest kids

I know… I’d much rather that he play there, than on a

neighbor’s carpeted floor.

Just thinking out loud.

-S.C.

From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of snk1955@...

Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006

11:04 AM

To: iequality

Subject: Re:

Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

Hi Wane,

That is a really interesting one, if I am

reading it right. Looks to me like the researchers are saying that

children who live in environments that have continued, low dose, inhalation

exposure to animal antigens - that may cause asthma or allergy, are

possibly less likely to develop asthma or allergy.

Am I reading that right? If so, another

good reason to let your children have a new puppy!

Sharon

" Children who live on a farm are less

likely to have asthma and allergies than other children, research

indicates. "

" contact with

livestock may be too simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases

in childhood allergies and asthma. "

" Types of

residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a

rural area with

no livestock, and living in urban areas

without

livestock. "

" Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis,

and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a

rural

non-livestock area. "

" The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

or rural area

with livestock were more strongly associated with

respiratory and

allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

livestock and

hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

and fed. "

" There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

protective

effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock

on allergic

sensitization. "

" Our findings of decreased allergic symptoms and asthma that

were related to past or present residence in a farm or rural area with

livestock, suggest that some aspects of the farm environment are protective for

respiratory and allergic conditions in 4-H youth. "

" The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for

contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the

relationships

related to farming are real and pervasive. "

[Guest guest]

Steve, Mike:

I posted this article because it appears to be an interesting

continuation of research related to the so-called " hygiene

hypothesis " , which as memory serves, is believed to be based at least

in part on exposure to endotoxin during the first year of life.

try a search for " hygiene hypothesis " + endotoxin. you'll find quite

a bit in the literature.

even in the abstract provided, the authors acknowledge that they don't

know what the protective mechanism(s) might be.

Wane

>

> Sounds like early exposure to allergens can amount to a

" vaccination " for

> the immune system. It would be interesting to find out when this

mechanism

> is no longer in play during child development.

>

>

> D. Carlson, CIAQC, CMRS

>

> Liesch Associates, Inc.

>

>

>

> Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

>

>

>

> Sep 29, 2006 - Children who live on a farm are less likely to have

> asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates.

>

> H Dimich-Ward, from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver,

> and colleagues suggest that contact with livestock may be too

> simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in

> childhood allergies and asthma.

>

> The researchers studied 1158 participants, aged between 8 and 20

> years, who were members of the British Columbia 4-H program, an

> agriculturally based youth education program that promotes the

> development of traditional skills in animal husbandry and

> horticulture.

>

> All the participants completed questionnaires detailing their age;

> gender; whether or not they owned a pet; their living environment,

> including exposure to second-hand smoke; their regularity of contact

> with livestock; the presence of asthma and allergies; and other

> variables.

>

> Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

> in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a

> rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without

> livestock.

>

> A total of 317 of the participants also underwent a skin prick test

> to confirm or discount allergic sensitization.

>

> The researchers found that living on a farm was associated with a

> significantly lower risk of having asthma and allergies.

>

> Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

> diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis,

> and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a

> rural non-livestock area.

>

> The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

> or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with

> respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

> livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

> and fed.

>

> There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

> with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

> protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock

> on allergic sensitization.

>

> Dimich-Ward and team conclude: " Our findings of decreased allergic

> symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence

> in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of

> the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic

> conditions in 4-H youth.

>

> " The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

> throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for

> contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the

> relationships related to farming are real and pervasive. "

>

> However, they add: " Further research is needed to determine what

> aspects of the farm environment may explain this phenomenon of

> reduced asthma and allergic symptoms among youth living on farms. "

>

> Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36: 1122-1129

>

> Free abstract: http://www.blackwel <http://www.blackwell-> l-

> synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02556.x

>

> --------------

>

> regards,

>

> Wane

>

> <><><><><><><><><><><>

> Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH

> Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality

> MICHAELS ENGINEERING

> " Real Professionals. Real Solutions. "

>

> Phone , ext. 484

> Cell

> Fax

>

> mailto:wab@michaelsenginee <mailto:wab%40michaelsengineering.com>

ring.com

> On the web at: http://www.michaels <http://www.michaelsengineering.com>

> engineering.com

>

> " To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything

> be more fun? "

> - Graham

>

[Guest guest]

I think I can support these claims with my own life experience. With

a twist, of course. (So what else is new).

I grew up on a farm and am not particularly allergic to animal

dander, pollen or dust. And I am not at all asthmatic. This is

reassuring but somewhat surprising considering my history of

difficulties with a broad range of exposure related complaints.

Which is the twist to it all. Either my " equivalent " exposures on the

farm to household and animal pesticides, solvents, lead based oil

paint, heavy metals and bio-accumulation of DDT had no protective

effect as evidenced by my stronger reactivity on a comparision basis -

OR - I am still alive because their protective factor reduced my

reactivity sufficiently for me to survive. Or - none of the above.

I'll never know.

And it's the " not knowing, " the fear of the " invisible, " and the

uncertainty of when will it strike again? that causes the dominant

tension and psychological overlay for the ones to the left of middle

of the Bell curve. We do the susceptible a grave disservice, and

potential harm, if we successfully reduce exposures but at the same

time otherwise intensify those very concrete concerns. Ignoring or

denying their reality is not a protective factor and may be more

harmful than hypervigilence (paraphrase of Vyner, 1989).

Carl Grimes

Healthy Habitats LLC

-----

> Hi Wane,

>

> That is a really interesting one, if I am reading it right. Looks to

> me like the researchers are saying that children who live in

> environments that have continued, low dose, inhalation exposure to

> animal antigens - that may cause asthma or allergy, are possiblyless

> likely to develop asthma or allergy.

>

> Am I reading that right? If so, another good reason to let your

> children have a new puppy!

>

> Sharon

> " Children who live on a farm are less likely to have asthma and

> allergies than other children, research indicates. "

>

> " contact with livestock may be too simplistic an explanation for the

> farm-related decreases in childhood allergies and asthma. "

>

> " Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

> in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a rural

> area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without livestock. "

>

> " Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

> diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis, and

> 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a rural

> non-livestock area. "

>

> " The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

> or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with

> respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

> livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

> and fed. "

>

> " There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

> with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

> protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock on

> allergic sensitization. "

>

> " Our findings of decreased allergic symptoms and asthma that were

> related to past or present residence in a farm or rural area with

> livestock, suggest that some aspects of the farm environment are

> protective for respiratory and allergic conditions in 4-H youth. "

>

> " The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

> throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for contact

> with livestock in this population, suggest that the relationships

> related to farming are real and pervasive. "

[Guest guest]

Thank you Ms Champion, for the insight you are offering. Please allow me to support your thinking by adding the following. Farm raised kids... by their home environment are expected to share in the many chores of farm life. The kids are active and energetic. They most likely have to hustle many times a day from the house to the barn or the fields to do their chores. They most likely spend fewer hours sitting and watching television or being physically idle. I will bet money that a thoracic examination will show the lungs of farm kids are more developed and healthier than those of city kids. A wonderful background story on the subject might be the autobiography and the many biographies of President Theodore Roosevelt. Those of us who know of his history know he was a asthmatic child with a doting mother who raised him more or less as a sissy in the brownstone village of Union Square in lower New York City. As a kid he was a sickly runt. But he was a well to do child of parents who tried everything to improve his health. He maintained his battle with asthma through college after which he packed up and moved to Montana to get away from his doting parents and he became a cowboy, a ranch hand, and an outdoorsman. After living in Montana for several years he seemed to improve his lung power and cured his asthma. He returned home to New York City and ran for the state legislature and won. He then started advocating the outdoor life for children as necessary for a healthy development. The story of Teddy Roosevelt might be a clue as to why some are saying that living around farm animals are healthy. Personally I think the theory of farm germs giving immunity to asthma is bunk. What I believe is that farm life causes the lungs of youngsters to become stronger and thus be resistant to germs and infections. I'm a believer that often sickness and disease is caused by a lack of immunity more than by microbial infection. Microbes have been around since man became man As man moved from living under the stars to living indoors he became sicker and sicker or less immune to the natural microbes all around us. I was once taught that an air sample could be taken anywhere in the world and tuberculosis bacteria would be found in some uniform amounts but that only those who are susceptible [with a compromised immunity] would become infected You are to be congratulated in recognizing that an active life for youngsters in the outdoors can develop healthy and disease resistant lungs. Ken Gibala RE: Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmedAnother thing to think about (which may or may not have been addressed in this study,) is how many more hours per day these children are outside, playing, doing chores, etc. Being the mother of a 7 yr. old, I am amazed at how many of my son’s friends never play outside! If it’s not above 100 degrees or below 40 D – my kid is forced to play outside as much as possible. One of his favorite pastimes is to play “cars” on a mound of dirt by our back yard, and he’s one of the healthiest kids I know… I’d much rather that he play there, than on a neighbor’s carpeted floor.Just thinking out loud.-S.C.From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of snk1955aolSent: Monday, October 09, 2006 11:04 AMTo: iequality Subject: Re: Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmedHi Wane,That is a really interesting one, if I am reading it right. Looks to me like the researchers are saying that children who live in environments that have continued, low dose, inhalation exposure to animal antigens - that may cause asthma or allergy, are possibly less likely to develop asthma or allergy. Am I reading that right? If so, another good reason to let your children have a new puppy! Sharon"Children who live on a farm are less likely to have asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates." "contact with livestock may be too simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in childhood allergies and asthma.""Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without livestock." "Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis, and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a rural non-livestock area.""The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed and fed.""There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock on allergic sensitization.""Our findings of decreased allergic symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic conditions in 4-H youth.""The protective associations found for consistent farm residence throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the relationships related to farming are real and pervasive."

[Guest guest]

As with Carl, I too was raised on a farm,

as well as working in a family business in heavy construction, where I was

exposed to the outdoor contaminants. I am truly convinced that my expose

as a child helped me later in life to be somewhat immune or at least less sensitive,

to the various allergies which seem to affect other who were not exposed to “nature”.

I can’t ever remember seasonal allergies.

Along with the other information out there

I found this website which suggests there may be a middle ground for children

and their exposure to allergens:

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerills/todallergy/1422161.html

It’s worth a read and it’s

geared toward children and infants.

Bob Hall, CIE

County of Lexington

Building Services

BServices@...

From: iequality [mailto:iequality ] On Behalf Of Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH

Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006

11:18 PM

To: iequality

Subject: Re:

Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

Steve, Mike:

I posted this article because it appears to be an interesting

continuation of research related to the so-called " hygiene

hypothesis " , which as memory serves, is believed to be based at least

in part on exposure to endotoxin during the first year of life.

try a search for " hygiene hypothesis " + endotoxin. you'll find quite

a bit in the literature.

even in the abstract provided, the authors acknowledge that they don't

know what the protective mechanism(s) might be.

Wane

>

> Sounds like early exposure to allergens can amount to a

" vaccination " for

> the immune system. It would be interesting to find out when this

mechanism

> is no longer in play during child development.

>

>

> D. Carlson, CIAQC, CMRS

>

> Liesch Associates, Inc.

>

>

>

> Asthma-protective effects of farm life confirmed

>

>

>

> Sep 29, 2006 - Children who live on a farm are less likely to have

> asthma and allergies than other children, research indicates.

>

> H Dimich-Ward, from the University

of British Columbia in Vancouver,

> and colleagues suggest that contact with livestock may be too

> simplistic an explanation for the farm-related decreases in

> childhood allergies and asthma.

>

> The researchers studied 1158 participants, aged between 8 and 20

> years, who were members of the British

Columbia 4-H program, an

> agriculturally based youth education program that promotes the

> development of traditional skills in animal husbandry and

> horticulture.

>

> All the participants completed questionnaires detailing their age;

> gender; whether or not they owned a pet; their living environment,

> including exposure to second-hand smoke; their regularity of contact

> with livestock; the presence of asthma and allergies; and other

> variables.

>

> Types of residence included living on a farm with livestock, living

> in a rural area inhabited by livestock, living on a farm or in a

> rural area with no livestock, and living in urban areas without

> livestock.

>

> A total of 317 of the participants also underwent a skin prick test

> to confirm or discount allergic sensitization.

>

> The researchers found that living on a farm was associated with a

> significantly lower risk of having asthma and allergies.

>

> Indeed, those currently living on a farm were 51% less likely to be

> diagnosed with asthma, 49% less likely to have allergic rhinitis,

> and 55% less likely to have atopic dermatitis than those living in a

> rural non-livestock area.

>

> The researchers note that variables relating to residence on a farm

> or rural area with livestock were more strongly associated with

> respiratory and allergic symptoms than frequency of contact with

> livestock and hours of time spent in barns where animals were housed

> and fed.

>

> There was some indication of reduced skin test positivity associated

> with living on larger acreage, but there was no clear evidence of a

> protective effect of residence in a farm or contact with livestock

> on allergic sensitization.

>

> Dimich-Ward and team conclude: " Our findings of decreased allergic

> symptoms and asthma that were related to past or present residence

> in a farm or rural area with livestock, suggest that some aspects of

> the farm environment are protective for respiratory and allergic

> conditions in 4-H youth.

>

> " The protective associations found for consistent farm residence

> throughout childhood and large acreage despite opportunity for

> contact with livestock in this population, suggest that the

> relationships related to farming are real and pervasive. "

>

> However, they add: " Further research is needed to determine what

> aspects of the farm environment may explain this phenomenon of

> reduced asthma and allergic symptoms among youth living on farms. "

>

> Clin Exp Allergy 2006; 36: 1122-1129

>

> Free abstract: http://www.blackwel <http://www.blackwell-> l-

> synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2222.2006.02556.x

>

> --------------

>

> regards,

>

> Wane

>

> <><><><><><><><><><><>

> Wane A. Baker, P.E., CIH

> Division Manager, Indoor Air Quality

> MICHAELS ENGINEERING

> " Real Professionals. Real Solutions. "

>

> Phone , ext. 484

> Cell

> Fax

>

> mailto:wab@michaelsenginee <mailto:wab%40michaelsengineering.com>

ring.com

> On the web at: http://www.michaels <http://www.michaelsengineering.com>

> engineering.com

>

> " To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything

> be more fun? "

> - Graham

>