Agricultural Health in Pennsylvania Nursing:

Agricultural Health in Pennsylvania

NURSING: AGRICULTURAL HEALTH in the STATE of PENNSYLVANIA and RESULTING INJURIES and DISEASES

This work intends to assess how a rural community in Pennsylvania is dealing with agricultural safety in regards to the risk factors, behavior, machinery, environment and other such issues.

"The Dirt on Pennsylvania Agriculture" published in the journal of Trends in Rural Pennsylvania" states that agriculture makes provision of "a common image of rural life and is an integral part of the Pennsylvania landscape and culture." (2004) Central Pennsylvania's agricultural community is stated to be "facing increasing pressures from encroaching urban development and shrinking agricultural support infrastructure." (Journal of Extension, 2003) This is likely due to the extensive regulations in today's farming operations as well as the expenses associated with compliance. Moreover, accidents and injuries that are witnessed by children who grow up in rural agriculture areas quite clearly does not assist in attracting today's rural children to become future farmers.

I. Farm Respiratory Hazards

The work of Murphy (2009) entitled: "Farm Respiratory Hazards" states that while farming is generally associated with "fresh air and a healthy, robust environment in which to work and live…" in reality "much of the air that farmers breathe is dirty and sometimes lethal." (Murphy, 2009) Farmer's Lung and Organic Dust Toxicity Syndrome (ODTS) is the name used to describe "two farm occupational diseases caused by inhaling airborne mold spores." (Murphy, 2009) Another name for Silo Unloaders Syndrome is another name for ODTS because the condition often occurs during the unloading or uncapping of silos." (Murphy, 2003)

A. Symptoms

Symptoms of exposure include those as follows: (1) shortness of breath; (2) tightness in chest; (3) fatigue; (4) a dry, unproductive cough; (5) muscle ache; (6) headache; (7) chills and (8) fever. (Murphy, 2009) Acute exposure symptoms are stated to disappear eventually with no apparent lasting effect however, permanent lung damage may result.

B. Precautions

It is stated by Murphy that "…respiratory protection is the last line of defense against Farmer's Lung ODTS. The proper type of respirator can protect those who have not contacted the diseases or help prevent the diseases from getting worse. Particulate respirators are available at your local pharmacy or from your agricultural chemical supplier." (Murphy, 2009) There is equipment that is more expensive as well as more sophisticated that are occasionally required. The following figure illustrates 'dust deposition in the human respiratory system'.

Figure 1

Dust Deposition in Human Respiratory System

Source: Murphy (2003)

C. Management Practices

There are stated to be several practices that management of agricultural initiatives can take to prevent mold spores growth or to limit the potential damage that these mold spires cause. These practices include: (1) using mold inhibitors; (2) baling hay; (3) ensiling crops; and (4) harvesting and storing grains at the recommended moisture content limits. (Murphy, 2009) the following figure illustrates the three different types of protection masks that can be utilized in safe agricultural farming initiatives.

Figure 2

Three types of Dust Masks for Agricultural Initiatives

Source: Murphy (2009)

II. Silo Gas Safety

The work of Murphy (2009) entitled: "Silo-Gases the Hidden Danger" a publication of Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences -- Agricultural and Biological Engineering" states that silo gas is formed "by the natural fermentation of chopped silage shortage after it is placed in the silo. Though a variety of gases are released during this process, the type of silos in which the forage is stored is important in determining which gas will be predominant." (Murphy, 2009) Murphy states that both nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases are created in sealed silos however "carbon dioxide is produced in far greater amounts." (Murphy, 2009)

This is held by Murphy to be what is wanted since high carbon dioxide levels help to maintain high quality silage." (2009) Simultaneously, the gas that is "odorless and colorless" is stated to be that which is dangerous. The gas is stated to replace the oxygen in the silo and since this gas is present in high concentrations the individual receives very little in the way of warning that the gas is about to overcome them. This gas is stated to be characterized by "…a strong bleach-like odor and low lying yellow, red, or dark brown fumes. Unlike carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide levels reach a peak about three days after harvesting and rapidly begin to decrease thereafter particularly is the silo is ventilated." (Murphy, 2009)

Sealed silos are specifically designed so that there is no necessity to enter them however, there are various gases present in convention silos and in open-top silos however the largest presence is that of nitrogen dioxide and this gas is stated to be "highly toxic…[and]…characterized by a strong bleach-like odor and low lying yellow, red, or dark brown fumes." (Murphy, 2009) Nitrogen dioxide levels are stated to peak at approximately three days following harvest and to begin a rapid decline and this is especially true in vented silos.

A. Harms

Harm caused by nitrogen dioxide include: (1) severe irritation to nose and throat; and (2) inflammation of the lungs. (Murphy, 2009) Since there is little in the way or pain or discomfort following exposure, this gas is particularly dangerous because it may be inhaled without the individual realizing it due to lack of serious effects. This is sometimes fatal as individuals are known to die in their sleep following exposure due to fluid collection in the lungs.