Healthy Manager

By Cheryl Tevis, Farm Issues Editor

Lungs for Life

Dont let ag exposures leave you breathless.

armers regularly encounter an array of hazards that trigger respiratory problems. The list includes dusts, biological particles, pesticides/chemicals, and toxic gases. Compared to other occupations, farmers have a high disability rate from respiratory conditions, says Carolyn Sheridan, AgriSafe Network clinical director and Spencer Hospital AgriSafe director. The human body has natural mechanisms to protect lungs from airborne hazards, but very small particles are able to penetrate. Breathing through the mouth also bypasses the bodys filtering system. Lung damage is cumulative, and the symptoms include: Tightness in the chest Shortness of breath Persistent cough Engineering controls are the best way to assure a healthy working environment. Air contaminants can be removed from shops and confinements with a ventila-

tion system including hoods, roof vents, and high-speed intake and exhaust fans.

One size doesnt fit all espirators are the next line of defense. Respirators either purify the existing air with filters, cartridges, or canisters, or they supply clean air through a compressor or compressed air cylinder. Dust masks dont protect in oxygendeficient areas or against gases, chemical Compared to vapors, or mists. A proper fit is critical. other occupations, Use only NIOSH-approved filtering face farmers have a pieces (such as N95, N100, or P100) for biological contaminants. high disability rate A powered air-purifying respirator from respiratory (PAPR) has a battery-powered fan that conditions. blows filtered air inside a tight-fitting res Carolyn Sheridan pirator or a loose-fitting hood or helmet. Facial hair may interfere with a proper fit. If your respirator moves off your face when you breathe in or out, its not a good fit, Sheridan says. be changed according to manufacturer High-efficiency particulate (HEPA) recommendations. filters are available for PAPRs. Check the Two five-minute videos on respirators, batteries regularly, because if they are low, along with information about proper fit, can be downloaded at OSHAs Sources of Common Agriculture Air Contaminants respiratory protection page at http://osha.gov/SLTC/etools/ Confined Tractor operPesticides Silage hog or ation/ internal Manure respiratory. and grain in poultry combustion pits fertilizers storage Respirators make it more housing engines difficult to breathe, especially Ammonia X X X X for people who smoke or have Biological X X X X X medical conditions such as particles asthma, allergies, pulmonary disCarbon X monoxide eases, high blood pressure, heart Dusts disorders, or claustrophobia. So X X X X be sure to consult your doctor. Vapors X X Purchase respirators at farm Hydrogen X X supply stores and ag chemical sulfide suppliers. Theyre also available Methane X X through AgriSafe Networks Mists, fogs X Safety Store.

and dont draw air through the filter, your protection is compromised. A supplied air respirator is required in low-oxygen areas (such as manure pits or silos) or if there are heavy concentrations of toxic contaminants. It is important to choose the right respirator for the task, to obtain a snug fit, to clean it regularly, and to maintain and store it properly. For best protection, filters, cartridges, and canisters must

Nitrogen oxides

NOTE: Biological particles come primarily from living sources, including plants and animals. This type of airborne dust particle may contain dried fecal matter, fungal or mold spores, bacterial cells and spores, pollen grains, insect parts, animal hair, or feathers.

Learn More AgriSafe Network 866/312-3002 | agrisafe.org

44 | Successful Farming | Mid-February

2012