Farmer’s Lung and Identifying Airborne Exposure Risks for Workers in the Agricultural Industry

When people think of farming, they may imagine farmers and workers being outside and breathing what they think would be fresh air. Farmers and agricultural workers can often be exposed to a variety of dusts, chemicals, gases, bioaerosols, and other respiratory allergens and irritants while outside.

Exposure to these airborne pollutants can in some circumstances result in occupational diseases linked to agricultural work. One of these diseases is known as Farmer’s Lung, sometimes referred to as Farmer’s Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (FHP). Farmer’s Lung is an allergic disease caused by breathing biologic dusts from hay, stored grain, silage or other agricultural products.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) reported that breathing in 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.

“To help prevent Farmer’s Lung and a number of other respiratory diseases faced by agricultural workers, precautions to avoid breathing in spores from moldy crops should be taken,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “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.”

The air quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. are dedicated to protecting farmers and agricultural workers. They offer air testing for mold, bacteria, particulates and gases. They also provide a complete line of personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators. EMSL has even 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 air testing or respirators, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

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