![]() Nuisance dust masks most often are constructed of a very light paper filter and have only a single, thin strap. This type of mask offers some protection against large particles of dust but not against smaller particles that may enter deeply into the lungs and cause respiratory distress or disease. Nuisance Dust MaskĪ nuisance dust mask is not an approved respirator. After you have tried to reduce or eliminate the hazard, if you are still at risk, use a respirator. Another possibility may be to use a non-toxic, less toxic, or less volatile pesticide. Provide improved ventilation in your barn or work outdoors instead of in an enclosed building. For example, use a different management practice when harvesting and storing crops to reduce dust and mold. Once you've pinpointed the hazard (or hazards), and before resorting to a respirator, try to reduce or eliminate the source of the problem. The reduction in oxygen may occur deliberately, such as with CA storage, or oxygen may be displaced by other gases as in manure storage and conventional silos. In such structures, the oxygen content of breathable air, normally about 21%, is reduced to levels as low as 5%. Examples of oxygen-deficient atmospheres include manure storage, oxygen-limiting (sealed) silos, and controlled atmosphere (CA) storage for fruits and vegetables. The third category of respiratory hazard is an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Vapors are released from liquids, such as pesticides, paints, adhesives, and lacquer thinner. Examples include hydrogen sulfide, the deadly manure pit gas nitrogen dioxide, which can be found in conventional silos and carbon monoxide from operating internal combustion engines. ![]() Gases are chemicals that are gaseous at ambient (room) temperature. The second category of respiratory hazard is gases and vapors. They are microscopic as well and are formed during activities such as welding. Fumes are solid particles of evaporated metal. Mists are suspended liquid droplets and are usually found near mixing, spraying, and cleaning operations. They are released when moldy hay, silage, or grain is disturbed. Mold spores, for example, are microscopic. Dusts are usually the largest particles, but not all dusts can be seen with the naked eye. The first category, particulate contaminants, includes dusts, mists, and fumes. There are three basic categories of respiratory hazards on the farm. The first step to choosing a respirator is determining the type of respiratory hazard. This article examines categories and types of farm respiratory protection and the proper use of these devices. In many cases, an inexpensive respirator could prevent farmers from acquiring nagging, permanent lung damage caused by long-term exposure to dusts, mists, gases, and vapors. ![]() Farmer's Lung and Organic Dust Toxicity Syndrome (ODTS) are allergic reactions to dust from moldy hay or grain and may result in costly medical treatment, permanent lung damage, or death. Farming is filled with respiratory hazards: pesticide vapors, dusty fields, dangerous hydrogen sulfide accumulations in manure pits and pump sumps, nitrogen dioxide in conventional silos, and many others.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |