Sense of smell in workers exposed to agricultural odours

Aim To investigate the effect of occupational exposure to agricultural odours on sense of smell. Methods Olfaction was investigated in 60 employees of dairy and pig-breeding farms and compared to 60 non-farm controls living in the same rural area. Both groups were matched for age, sex and smoking habits. All participants underwent standardized, validated tests for olfactory function and were tested before and after the first day of a working cycle. In addition, farm subjects were also tested in the evening of Day 5 of this period. Results There was no difference in overall olfactory function between the two groups. Olfactory function was not related to duration of exposure to the odorous environment. Conclusion These results suggest that occupational exposure to strong agricultural odours has no major impact on the sense of smell.