Dust entry

Insect-scale and debris dust

Airborne insect scales, fragments, and debris generated in insect-rearing or entomology facilities.

Airborne form

dust

The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.

Health effects

occupational asthmainhalant allergyhypersensitivity pneumonitis concernwatery eyessneezingskin eruptions

Evidence

A CDC/NIOSH MMWR report describes asthma and inhalant-allergy symptoms among workers in insect-raising facilities and discusses exposure to insect scales and debris.

Source: html ↗ · saved source
Summary

Watery eyes, sneezing, and asthma were reported in workers exposed to insects and insect materials; symptoms of inhalant allergy were described among workers in insect-raising facilities.

Controls

local exhaust ventilation
enclosed insect handling
wash-down cleaning
housekeeping
exposure monitoring
appropriate respiratory protection