Effects of stables on human health

Many people are highly engaged in the equine industry around the world. Consequently, they spend a considerable portion of their day in stable environments, either as workers in the care and training of horses, or in their leisure time. Exposure to organic dust, microorganisms and endotoxins from different farm animal stabling systems can cause respiratory disease in humans as rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, or intrinsic lung disorders such as farmer’s lung/allergic alveolitis. Studies of conventional stables have shown that recommended levels of endotoxin, which may cause inflammation in human airways, are often exceeded (1). The type of building, type of feed, bedding and sanitary procedures, can have a complex influence on stable-air quality (1).

For those working and living on the horse farm, whether the farm environment is a risk factor for developing allergic disease and asthma is under debate. There are several studies now showing that working in a stable can have adverse health effects on the respiratory function similar to those experienced by farmers (2, 3, 4).

Primary prevention in the stable should involve reduced exposure to organic dust, irritating gases, and microbial agents. Feeding and cleaning activities can be done in a way that creates less dust in stable air. Also ventilation is important, where the installation of mechanical ventilation can increase the air exchange rate and reduce particles and gaseous substances in stable air (3).

Secondary preventive measures of stable-related airway disease could involve pre-employment testing of stable workers followed by medical advice for those with a risk of developing airway-related diseases, such as hay fever and asthma. The examination could include a medical history (allergy and airway disease), physical examination of the airways and skin disorders (eczema), a pulmonary function test and an allergen test.