Most of us know a farmer that has developed some respiratory problems from working in a barn. Large numbers of farmers must now avoid dairy barns to protect themselves from the dusts that are released when hay and straw are used. These workers are not weak, occupational respiratory illness can happen to anyone. The problem stems from dust inside livestock barns. When fine dusts enter your respiratory system - they act like poison to the cells they come in contact with. These dusts can cause asthma, chronic bronchitis, organic toxic dust syndrome and even worse, Farmer's Lung. Another hazard you should be aware of is the Hanta Virus. Deer mouse waste is it's cause, and it is spreading across Canada. You could be exposed to it while working with hay or straw. The following information is designed to give you an overview of how to identify and control moldy dust inside barns and how to protect yourself against irreversible lung damage.

Protection against moldy plant materials

Farmer's Lung