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Dust entry

Mushroom-farm organic dust

Organic dust generated during mushroom compost, spawning, tray-fill, casing, growing, and packing operations.

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

mushroom workers lungacute respiratory illnessrespiratory symptomsorganic-dust disease risk

Evidence

In a NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation, seven workers were diagnosed with mushroom workers lung and about 20% of workers had symptoms consistent with it; NIOSH identified organic-dust constituents capable of causing the disease and concluded that some workers remained at risk. The report recommended reducing organic-dust exposure and using respiratory protection and medical surveillance where needed.

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Abstract · 1
Seven workers were diagnosed with mushroom workers lung ... about 20 percent of the workers were experiencing some symptoms consistent with MWL. Organic dust constituents capable of causing MWL were identified at the farm. ... some workers continue to be at risk of developing MWL.

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