Occupational and environmental medicine
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Exposure to farm environments during childhood and adult life seems to reduce the risk of atopic sensitisation. Most studies have been conducted among farmers, but people living in rural areas may have similar protective effects for atopy. This study aims to investigate the association between residential proximity to livestock farms and atopy among non-farming adults living in a rural area in the Netherlands. ⋯ Living in close proximity to livestock farms seems to protect against atopy. This study provides evidence that protective effects of early-life and adult farm exposures may extend beyond farming populations.