1. PARTICLES IN THE AIR THE HAZARDS OF DUST IN AGRICULTURE

2. Learning Objectives Define dust Examine the types of agricultural dust Identify the major components of dust Review respiratory and health conditions Assess breathing hazards and proper PPE

3. Dusts, Mists, & Fumes Dusts, mists, and fumes make up a group of various-sized particles. They are measured in microns. A micron is 1/25, 400th of an inch(50 microns-size particles are visible). Particle sizes over 5 microns are heavy enough to settle quickly without posing a respiration hazard. Finer materials are a major concern to lung health.

4. Bulk Dust

5. Dusts Solid particles (0.1-25 microns in size) Sources: –Crop production –Livestock production –Antibiotics –Equipment in the fields –Feeding livestock –Grain Bins –Animal wastes and bedding –Powdered chemicals

6. Types of Dust Inorganic Dust –Sources Minerals in soil Grinding of Grains Organic Dust –Comes from plants, animals, and insects –Found in confined buildings and spaces –Sources Animal dander, fecal material

7. Components of Organic and Inorganic Dust Irritant Toxin Carcinogens

8. Health Conditions Associated with Grain Dust Asthma Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome Bronchitis Farmers Lung Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

9. Lung Disease Inhalation of dusts, mists, fumes, vapors, gases, and smoke causes irritation to the respiratory system. Repeated, prolonged exposure can cause more severe problems. There are two basic types of lung disease to discuss: Farmer’s Lung and O.D.T.S.

10. Farmer’s Lung Farmer’s Lung is an allergic reaction caused by inhaling moldy hay, straw, and grain. When the lungs cannot remove the material, an allergy can develop. Repeated exposure further increases lung tissue damage and allergic reaction. Symptoms are similar to those of pneumonia.

11. Organic Dust Toxicity Syndrome (ODTS) ODTS is caused by a reaction to inhaling molds from spoiling grain and forage. ODTS usually doe not cause permanent lung damage. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms can last 1-7 days.

12. Prevention Utilize feed additives Minimize animal movement Isolate sick animals Improve sanitation Improve air circulation Increase air exchange Utilize air cleaning system Wear appropriate respirator

13. Respirators and Dust Masks Nuisance Dust Masks Disposable particulate respirator (N95) Air-Purifying Respirators (cartridge type) Dust Mask Picture courtesy of US Safety Disposable Particulate Respirator (N95) Air-Purifying Respirator Picture courtesy of Empire Safety

14. Safety Precautions Good seal between face-piece and face Respirators are made in different sizes Periodically re-check the fit Other fit limiting factors Fit-testing

15. Summary No one is safe from dust particles Take proper preventative measures Wear proper PPE Protect your lungs from hazards. Remember, a handkerchief over your face will not protect you from gases, fumes or particulates.

16. References Respiratory protection for the farm and ranch. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from http://www.extension.org/pages/63440/respiratory- protection-on-the-farm-and-ranch. http://www.extension.org/pages/63440/respiratory- protection-on-the-farm-and-ranch

17. For More Information OSU Ag Safety & Health The Ohio State University Ag Engineering Building 590 Woody Hayes Drive Columbus, Ohio 43210-1057 Email: jepsen.4@osu.edu Phone: 614-292-6008 Website: agsafety.osu.edu

18. This project was supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program- grant number 2012- 46100-20144.