Dust entry

Storage-mite dust

Respirable mite-derived particulate and excreta associated with damp stored grain, hay, feed, and other agricultural products.

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 asthma concernrespiratory sensitizationallergic respiratory symptoms

Evidence

The UK HSE review states that storage mites commonly occur in stored hay and grain, can cause occupational asthma, and meet its criteria for classification as respiratory sensitisers.

Source: pdf ↗ · saved source
page 110 · C36: STORAGE MITES — Summary and conclusion · 1

There is good evidence that exposure to storage mites, which commonly occur in stored foodstuffs such as hay and grain, can lead to the development of occupational asthma. The prevalence amongst farmers is 1–2%, with an indication that it may be higher (6%) amongst grain workers. There is good supporting immunological data indicating that an allergic mechanism is involved.

Controls

keep stored grain, hay, and feed dry
control mite growth and contamination
enclose or ventilate dusty handling
use suitable housekeeping methods
use appropriate respiratory protection where exposure assessment indicates it is needed