Utilization of masks by Hutterite farmers.

Respiratory symptomatology and pulmonary function tests were evaluated among 199 male Hutterites who utilized masks during farming and 159 Hutterites who did not use masks. Anthropometric and pulmonary function tests were comparable between the two groups. Symptomatology, including cough, phlegm, and wheezing were more prevalent among mask wearers compared to non-mask wearers. The prevalence of hayfever (p less than 0.02) and asthma (p less than 0.001) was greater among mask wearers vs non-mask wearers. Although the types and percent of individuals from each group raising crops and livestock were comparable, breathlessness, wheeze and fever were more common among the mask wearers. Thus farmers who suffered a higher incidence of symptoms as a consequence of farming are more likely to use masks.