Agricultural Workers in California and the Causes of Farmer’s Lung

The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS), a multidisciplinary center located at the University of California - Davis, published an article several years ago about the numerous respiratory threats that agricultural workers may face daily. These include a variety of dusts, chemicals, gases, bioaerosols, and other respiratory allergens, irritants, and asthma triggers.

In the article, medical conditions that can result from inhaling airborne pollutants are also discussed. One of the conditions mentioned was Farmer’s Lung. Sometimes referred to as Farmer’s Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (FHP), Farmer’s Lung is an allergic disease caused by inhaling biologic dusts from hay, stored grain, silage, or other agricultural products.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reports that inhaling dust containing the spores of various heat-tolerating bacteria or molds (including Aspergillus) often found on moldy crops causes the disease. The agency goes on to explain that Farmer’s Lung develops in two steps. The first time a person inhales a large amount of dust and spores from moldy crops, the immune system often responds by producing specific antibodies against the antigens. Once the body has produced these antibodies, there is a chance that further exposure to moldy dust can generate a hypersensitive type of allergic reaction.

“California has hundreds of thousands of agricultural workers that produce a large percentage of the nation’s vegetables, fruits, nuts, and other commodities,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at LA Testing. “To reduce the risk of contracting Farmer’s Lung and several other respiratory diseases, precautions to avoid inhaling spores from moldy crops should be taken. If avoiding moldy or dusty environments is not possible, properly fitted respirators designed to protect against exposure to mold, bacteria, and dusts can help safeguard workers’ lungs. At LA Testing, we offer industrial hygiene and air quality laboratory testing services, and sampling supplies for mold, bacteria, particulates, and gases. We even provide air monitoring instruments and a complete line of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators.”

LA Testing has sponsored an educational video about Farmer’s Lung and exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/tS-B0zlOMg4.

To learn more about this or other environmental and industrial hygiene services and supplies, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com , or call (800) 755-1794.


About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash, and smoke damage, particulates, and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health, and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego, and Ontario.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail