Breathing in grain dust can cause the following respiratory health conditions:
Occupational asthma - Breathing in grain dust can cause a person to develop an allergic reaction (respiratory sensitisation). Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. Once a person has become sensitised to grain dust, it can trigger asthma symptoms when breathed in (occupational asthma). A person may have been at their place of work for weeks, months or even years before they start having asthma symptoms.
Working with grain dusts can also worsen symptoms in people who already have asthma. It is much better to prevent respiratory disease by using good working practices.
If an individual does develop asthma they should avoid further exposure to grain dust.
Rhinitis (inflammation of the inside of the nose) - a condition that results in a runny or stuffy nose and generally makes breathing more difficult. Rhinitis can be a sign of developing occupational asthma.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - a long-term illness where the lungs and airways are damaged making it difficult to get air in and out of the lungs. It includes diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. Symptoms include shortness of breath (even when walking), a persistent chesty cough and phlegm, wheeze and more frequent and troublesome chest infections. COPD may be caused by breathing in any fine dusts, including grain dust. It can be very disabling and is a leading cause of death. Cigarette smoking can make it worse.
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) (or hypersensitivity pneumonitis) - the most common work-related form of this condition is known as Farmer’s lung. This is caused by breathing in mould that grows on hay, straw and grain, particularly in a confined space such as a poorly ventilated building. Symptoms can include fever, cough, weight loss and an increasing shortness of breath.
Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) - an example of ODTS is a condition known as grain fever. Symptoms include a sudden onset, short-lived, ‘flu-like’ illness with fever. The condition is also often associated with cough and chest discomfort.
Implementing good control measures will help prevent ill-health conditions from developing.
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