CCOHS identifies mouldy straw as a source of dust associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and farmer's lung, and explains that repeated exposure can cause permanent lung scarring.
Source: CCOHS: Farmer's lung ↗CCOHS: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) ↗Dust entry
Mouldy straw dust
Organic dust and microbial aerosol released from mould-contaminated straw during handling, feeding, or processing.
Airborne form
aerosol
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
hypersensitivity pneumonitisfarmer's lunginterstitial lung inflammationrespiratory sensitization
Evidence
Controls
- moisture and mould control
- dust suppression
- enclosed handling
- ventilation
- exposure assessment
- appropriate respiratory protection