Thesis
The occupational health hazards of altrenogest
University of Iowa
Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
Spring 2022
DOI: 10.17077/etd.006384
Abstract
The veterinary pharmaceutical industry has become an expanding, lucrative market that employs over 1 billion people globally. The surge in livestock production and increase in companion animal ownership contribute to the continuous growth and demand for veterinary medicine. While regular administration of drugs to animals has benefits and has become increasingly common, there is a need of better consideration for animal workers and handlers that are administering the drugs. Altrenogest is an endocrine disrupting chemical that is heavily utilized in breeding management, as it is extremely effective at synchronizing and suppressing estrus in swine and equine. While efficient at modifying female animals’ reproductive cycles, the FDA has received 130 reports of adverse health effects in humans that have accidently been exposed to altrenogest, resulting in a health hazard warning posted in 2018. However, the FDA notes that the 130 documented cases are likely underreported, due to the variability and diversity of adverse symptoms. Despite the hazard warning, there is little information available regarding the different factors that increase a person’s likelihood of altrenogest exposure.
The goals of this study were to identify veterinary recommendations for altrenogest handling safety and to identify factors that contribute to accidental altrenogest occupational exposure in swine and equine facilities. Using a qualitative method of inquiry, data was collected from large animal theriogenology veterinarians through semi-structured interviews and through analysis of an FDA FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request for altrenogest exposure reports. The suggest that the following factors contribute to accidental exposure: improper personal protective equipment, drug misuse, and safety communication breakdown. With numerous exposure pathways, there are at least one (if not more) factors that contribute to accidental human exposures.. Understanding factors that can increase an animal worker or handlers’ risk of altrenogest exposure has the potential to improve efforts of increasing drug administration safety training and protocols that serve to better protect animal workers.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- The occupational health hazards of altrenogest
- Creators
- Anna R. Proctor
- Contributors
- Brandi Janssen (Advisor)David Cwiertny (Advisor)Diane Rohlman (Committee Member)Matthew Nonnenmann (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (MS), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Date degree season
- Spring 2022
- DOI
- 10.17077/etd.006384
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- ix, 69 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2022 Anna R. Proctor
- Language
- English
- Description illustrations
- illustrations (some color), tables, map, graph
- Description bibliographic
- Includes bibliographical references (pages 58-67).
- Public Abstract (ETD)
- Veterinary pharmaceutical administration is a common tool used to lessen the impact of disease in animals, and to supplement animals’ wellbeing. While there are benefits of medicating animals, there is still much to learn regarding the occupational health risk of veterinary pharmaceutical administration. Altrenogest is a potent drug that allows for the synchronization and suppression of estrus in swine and equine. It is highly effective in breeding management and is used globally as a result. However, there is notable cause for concern. The FDA has received 130 reports of adverse health effects that vary in severity to people that have accidently been exposed to altrenogest, causing the agency to post a health hazard warning in 2018. Despite the warning, there is little public research available to the health consequences of accidental human exposure to altrenogest. Therefore, further research is required to better understand the factors that contribute to exposure in workers. In this study, we interviewed large animal veterinarians who specialize in animal reproduction to gain a better understanding of the occupational health hazards of altrenogest in swine and equine facilities. This study provides a preliminary exploration of veterinary- recommended altrenogest handling procedures and the identification of factors that can lead to potential altrenogest exposure. It creates a foundation for further altrenogest occupational health studies in agricultural settings, and the data collected can be used to improve current veterinary hormonal medication safety instructions and training for more cautious and efficient handling procedures.
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Record Identifier
- 9984270953402771
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