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Several Farming Tasks Associated with RA
Occup Environ Med; ePub 2019 Feb 13; Parks, et al
Recent findings suggest several agricultural tasks and exposures may contribute to development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers investigated non-pesticide agricultural exposures in relation to RA in licensed pesticide applicators (n=27,175, mostly male farmers) and their spouses (n=22,231) in the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) cohort (1993–1997) who completed at least 1 follow-up survey through 2015. Incident RA cases (n=229 applicators and 249 spouses) were identified based on self-report confirmed by use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or medical records.
- Overall, RA was associated with regularly applying chemical fertilizers (HR=1.50), using non-gasoline solvents (HR=1.40), and painting (HR=1.26).
- In older applicators (>62 years), RA was associated with driving combines (HR=2.46) and milking cows (HR=2.56).
- In younger participants (≤62 years), RA was inversely associated with raising animals as well as crops (HR=0.68 vs crops only).
- Associations with specific crops varied by age: some (eg, hay) were inversely associated with RA in younger participants, while others (eg, alfalfa) were associated with RA in older participants.
Parks CG, Meyer A, Beane Freeman LE, Hofmann J, Sandler DP. Farming tasks and the development of rheumatoid arthritis in the agricultural health study. [Published online ahead of print February 13, 2019]. Occup Environ Med. doi:10.1136/oemed-2018-105361.
This study reported that several agricultural tasks might contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Non-pesticide agricultural exposures were studied including (n=27,175, mostly male farmers) and their spouses (n=22,231). Age differences and type of crops grown had an impact on the study’s findings. Researchers discovered that RA was associated with the regular application of chemical fertilizers (HR=1.50), use of non-gasoline solvents (HR=1.40), and exposure to paint (HR=1.26). RA was also linked with driving combines (HR=2.46) and milking cows (HR=2.56). In younger subjects, RA was inversely linked to raising animals as well as crops (HR=0.68 vs crops only). Also, in younger participants, hay was associated with RA while in older participants, alfalfa was linked to RA.—Harold E. Paulus, M.D.; Emeritus Professor; University of California, Los Angeles; Division of Rheumatology.