Symptoms often are mistaken for bronchitis or pneumonia. If the disease is not diagnosed early, irreversible lung damage and sometimes death can result. Farmer's lung will limit the amount of work a farmer can do because shortness of breath will require frequent rest periods. Breathing dusty air of this type for long periods will cause areas of your lungs to become hardened and inelastic, and your capacity to take in needed oxygen will be reduced. Furthermore, your susceptibility to respiratory diseases like pneumonia may increase.
Mold develops from the heat generated by moist or wet stored forage and grain.
Burn moldy grain or hay. Keep livestock areas as clean as possible to prevent dust from collecting. Wear a dust mask in dusty work areas to keep harmful dust out of your lungs. Wear safety shoes or boots. Composition and type of sole configuration also are important to combat the problems of uneven and wet footing.