Farm Dust - The Dangers of Inhaling and Need for Respiratory Protection Through FFP2 Masks

By Lewis Thompson
Farm dust refers to anything from grain dust to mould spores released from hay and straw. Human exposure to this dust can have detrimental effects on our health with many of us completely unaware of the risks.

It is not only farmers that have reported respiratory problems that have been linked to farm dust. Many equine owners have no idea that activities such as mucking out, sweeping and filling hay nets, result in the release of large amounts of dust and spores which are easily inhaled. Horse owners are aware of equine respiratory problems associated with dusty bedding and hay, but for the most part, when these high risk activities take place, the horses are turned out.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) seen primarily in horses (rather than other farm animals) and Farmer's Lung, a condition seen in humans, are both allergic conditions that have long been associated with mouldy hay and straw (George and Lacey 1968). An occupational disease of farmers exposed to dust from mouldy hay was first described in Cumberlandin 1932. Since then awareness has continued as subsequent evidence has presented itself in many areas where farming practice and climatic conditions lead to exposure (Fuller CL1953, Dickie HR and Rankin J 1958)

As the occurrence of asthma increases, protection for those suffering from respiratory diseases becomes paramount, but whether the responsibility for protection sits with the employer or the individual is still a grey area. A study conducted at a stables in 2009 report by the Division of Environmental Epidermiology, showed that 'dust, endotoxin* and beta (1->3) glutan exposure is considerable in horse stables' (Samadi A, Wouters IM, Houben R, Jamshidafard AR, Van Erdenburg F, Heederik DJ 2009)

The endotoxin* exposure levels in this study were well above the Dutch proposed standard limits.

*an endotoxin is a toxin that is a structural molecule of the bacteria that is recognised by the immune system (Wikipedia).

The facts are clear - protection is necessary (particularly for those with underlying respiratory conditions), awareness is limited and regulation is just not there! I strongly advise those who spend time on farms to acknowledge their personal risks and take advantage of proper available dust protection.

I recommend the use of the FFP2 (EN149 = 94% filtration)mask for protection against dust. However, you are more likely to require the FFP3 (EN149 = 99% filtration) if you are dealing with airborne chemicals such as fertilisers, pesticides and fungicides.