Respiratory hazards and occupational diseases in Pennsylvania agriculture

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)

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.

B. Safety Practices

Recommended safety practices include: (1) provide good ventilation whenever possible in and around the silo when silage is fermenting; (2) keep door between barn and feed room closed; and (3) communication of danger to family members and other farm workers; (4) avoidance of silo during primary danger periods following harvest; and (5) padlocking of doors or placing of fences or barricades if necessary. (Murphy, 2009) if one must enter the silo it is suggested that they use a "self-contained breathing apparatus." (Murphy, 2009) it is additionally stated that one should never under any circumstances enter the silo when no one else is present.

Summary and Conclusion

Agriculture is clearly a necessary profession for the world-at-large as agriculture provides food for both human beings and animals however, there are significant respiratory dangers present on farming operations. Farmers and their families and those who labor on farms should be educated about the various respiratory dangers that exist on farming operations. This work has identified two of these respiratory dangers including: (1) toxic mold and dust; and (2) gases that are present in silos. This work has also explained the information available in the state of Pennsylvania to farmers to assist them in safe agricultural initiatives in order that they have enough knowledge to protect themselves, their families and those who work on the farming operation.