The role of farm exposures in occupational asthma and allergy

Agriculture is very diverse. Farmers commonly grow several different crops, and may also raise animals. They are exposed to a variety of antigens from plants, animals, insects and molds, to which they may become allergic. However, several large epidemiological studies conducted recently in various regions of the world indicate that the prevalence of asthma and allergy is no higher in farmers than in other populations. There is increasing evidence that growing up on a farm may protect against developing asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.