Farmers are at high risk to respiratory health hazards.
A 1989 Bureau of Labor Statistics study established that the overall incidence rate of occupational illnesses for all workers was 26.1 per 10,000 workers. The same study estimated the incidence rate for agriculture at 51.7 per 10,000 workers. Ag workers had the highest incidence rates for skin diseases and respiratory conditions due to toxic agents and poisoning. Yet, by understanding farm respiratory dangers and taking a few simple precautions most of the risk and medical expense can be eliminated. Let's look at three hazards associated with dusts and molds.