High prevalence of obstructive lung disease in non-smoking farmers: The Irish farmers lung health study

The majority of Irish farmers are never smokers. They have a high prevalence of respiratory symptoms. 13% of never smokers have airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC < 0.70). The presence of airflow obstruction is significantly associated with self-reported allergy history and prior airway disease. Further studies are needed to identify the workplace factors accounting for these findings.