Farmer’s Lung The Unseen Danger

What it is? Allergic disease that’s caused by breathing in dust from moldy crops Lengthy exposure can cause: Permanent lung damage Physical disability Death

Acute Farmer’s Lung Occurs in 1/3 cases Begins 4-8 hours after breathing in large amount of dust from crops

Symptons Shortness of breath Dry, irritating cough Sudden general feeling of sickness Fever and chills Rapid heart rate Rapid breathing

Miscellaneous Information Avoiding exposure causes symptoms to decrease after 12 hours Symptoms can last 2-12 weeks

Sub-Acute Farmer’s Lung More common than Acute Farmer’s Lung Less intense, more difficult to notice Develops slowly due to continual exposure

Symptoms Coughing Shortness of breath Mild fever and occasional chills General feeling of sickness Aches and pains in muscles and joints Loss of appetite and weight

Miscellaneous Information If you’re sensitive to dust, you’ll display these symptoms as long as you’re exposed to dust Resembles a chest cold that lingers throughout the winter Some lose weight over several weeks

Chronic Farmer’s Lung Develops after several acute attacks over a period of years It afflicts people who have been continually exposed to large amounts of moldy dust.

Symptoms Sometimes lasts several months Marked by increasing shortness of breath Occasional mild fever Significant loss in weight General lack of energy. Permanent lung damage Gradually worsen as exposure to moldy dust continues.

Prevention Properly ventilated storage buildings Dust from moldy crops should be wetted before being swept up Wear approved, properly fitted dust respirators