Contamination from Dust and Mold: A Comprehensive Review

In the agricultural and horticultural sectors, the importance of maintaining good lung health cannot be overstated. Exposure to organic dust and mold, common in farm and greenhouse settings, can lead to a range of respiratory issues. This article provides practical advice for farmers and workers to safeguard their lung health.

When working in environments where dust and mold are prevalent, it is crucial to use a particulate respirator with a minimum N-95 rating. Proper fit testing and storage and disposal of the respirator are also essential. It is also advisable to avoid sharing respirators to prevent cross-contamination.

Mechanical controls, such as fans and filters, can help remove dust and mold from enclosed environments. Planning outdoor work to minimise dust exposure, taking natural factors such as wind direction, windy times of the day, and the use of the dew point into account, is another effective strategy.

It is important to minimise and control the amount of dust and mold in the worksite. This can be achieved by isolating dusty areas, ventilating them, keeping the worksite clean, and moistening material before disturbing or handling it.

Organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) is a condition caused by exposure to moldy or dusty areas, with symptoms including fatigue, chills, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, headache, irritating cough, loss of appetite, and flu-like symptoms. Farmer's lung, a noninfectious allergic disease caused by exposure to dust and mold, has similar symptoms but is specific to an individual. Both conditions can cause bronchitis and asthma, and can aggravate existing conditions such as asthma.

Repeated inhalation of organic dust and mold from materials like peat, vermiculite, perlite, and mulch can lead to chronic breathing problems, asthma attacks, sinus congestion, coughing, wheezing, eye and throat irritation, and potentially more severe conditions like hypersensitivity pneumonitis or lung inflammation. People with existing respiratory conditions, children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

To protect yourself in such environments:

Wear appropriate respiratory protection such as N95 or higher-rated masks to filter airborne dust and spores.
Ensure good ventilation in work areas to reduce accumulation of airborne particles and moisture that promote mold growth.
Control humidity below 60% to inhibit mold proliferation.
Practice good hygiene, including washing hands and clothes after handling these materials.
Regularly clean and inspect storage and workspace areas for visible mold or dampness.
In case of significant mold contamination, seek professional mold remediation to safely remove mold and restore air quality.

Following these steps can substantially reduce inhalation risks and protect lung health during frequent exposure in farms or greenhouses. For more details on respiratory protection, see Respiratory Protection, AEX-790.7.

The reviewer for this article is Kent McGuire, CFAES Safety and Health Coordinator, Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering. For more information on agricultural tailgate safety training, refer to Agricultural Tailgate Safety Training: Dust and Mold, AEX 192.1.11.

[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/odts/ [2] Farm Safety Foundation. (2021). Farmer's Lung. Retrieved from https://farmsafefoundation.org.au/farmer-s-lung/ [3] Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2021). Agriculture – Dust Control. Retrieved from https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/agriculture/dustcontrol/ [4] National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2021). Agriculture and Forestry. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/agforestry/

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