Respiratory Issues

Brady Harrison

30 Respiratory Issues

Breathing in dust, mold, fumes, and animal dander is a daily risk on farms and ranches. Without proper protection, these exposures can lead to chronic respiratory conditions, reduced lung function, and decreased overall quality of life. Such conditions can be found at the bottom of this page.

Common Hazards:

Dust Exposure – Grain dust, feed particles, and hay debris are common in barns, bins, and fields.
Mold & Mildew – Poor ventilation and damp conditions promote mold growth, especially in hay storage and confined buildings.
Ammonia & Hydrogen Sulfide Fumes – Gases from manure pits and enclosed livestock areas can irritate lungs and airways.
Smoke from Wildfires or Burning – Exposure to wildfire smoke or field burns increases inflammation in the lungs. Please see the Dust and Wildfire Smoke chapter for additional information.
Lack of Protective Gear – Many farmers and ranchers work without respiratory protection in hazardous air environments.

Addressing Hazards:

Wear Respirators When Needed – Use N95 or P100 masks in dusty, moldy, or chemical-heavy conditions. Examples of these masks can be found here.
Improve Ventilation in Buildings – Install fans, open vents, and reduce moisture in barns and storage areas.
Avoid Prolonged Exposure – Limit time spent in poorly ventilated or high-pollution areas.
Clean Work Areas Regularly – Reducing the buildup of dust and debris can improve air quality. Make cleaning a regular part of your daily activity!
Use Enclosed Equipment Cabs – Tractors and loaders with filtered air systems help protect the lungs.

Mental Health Impacts:

Breathing Issues Reduce Energy – Shortness of breath and fatigue can limit daily activity and increase frustration.
Fear of Chronic Conditions – Concerns about developing long-term lung problems can create anxiety.
Isolation During Recovery – Respiratory issues often require downtime, which can feel isolating or unproductive.

Addressing Mental Health:

Talk to a Medical Provider Early – Catching and treating respiratory issues early can prevent long-term damage.
Invest in Your Health – Wearing protection and improving airflow is worth the effort to stay active and capable.
Make Small Improvements Over Time – Even minor changes in airflow or equipment can reduce symptoms.
Share Experiences with Others – Many farmers face similar challenges—talking about it helps reduce stigma and encourages solutions.

Common Respiratory Conditions with Farmers and Ranchers:

Farmer’s Lung – Farmer’s Lung (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) is an allergic reaction from inhaling mold spores in hay, grain, or silage with high moisture content. Symptoms, including shortness of breath, fatigue, and a dry cough, appear within 4-6 hours and can last up to two weeks. The condition can range from acute flu-like symptoms to chronic chest cold-like symptoms. Farmers diagnosed with Farmer’s Lung should avoid mold exposure to prevent worsening, and should see a doctor if symptoms arise.
Organic Dust Toxicity Syndrome (Silo Unloader Syndrome) – Silo Unloaders Syndrome, or organic dust toxicity syndrome (ODTS), is caused by exposure to organic dust in areas like silos, grain storage, and livestock barns. Symptoms, such as cough, fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of appetite, typically appear 4-6 hours after exposure. ODTS shares similar symptoms and entry routes with Farmer’s Lung, often leading to misdiagnosis. To reduce the risk, wear a respirator and follow best practices for maintaining good air quality in confinement buildings.
Silo Filler’s Disease – Silo Filler’s Disease occurs from inhaling nitrogen dioxide, a gas produced during silage fermentation. Symptoms may not appear until 12 hours after exposure, despite potential lung damage. At 20 ppm, considered “immediately dangerous to life and health” (IDLH), symptoms include cough, blood in sputum, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Exposure at 100 ppm can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and long-term respiratory issues or death. Even lower levels (15-20 ppm) are harmful. Seek immediate medical attention if exposed to silo gas.
Asthma – Asthma, a growing concern across all age groups and occupations, involves airflow obstruction, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and chronic airway inflammation, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and chest tightness. It is classified into allergic (triggered by allergens like pollen or mold) and non-allergic (triggered by substances like grain dust or cleaners) types. Asthma can also be categorized further into occupational, viral-induced, nocturnal, and Reactive Airway Dysfunction Syndrome (SADS).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). N95 respirators and surgical masks. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/n95list1.html

Penn State Extension. (2025). Farm respiratory hazards. Penn State Extension. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://extension.psu.edu/farm-respiratory-hazards