Grain Dust

by Mary Andersen
MU School of Medicine

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Grain dust has been known for decades to cause lung problems. However, it has always been difficult to say just how much damage is caused by this problem. In December, a group of Canadian researchers published the results of a 15 year study on grain dust exposure which helps to put this problem in perspective. It showed a continuous drop in lung function with increasing exposure to grain dust. Symptoms of breathlessness, cough and phlegm also increased in proportion to the amount of dust workers had been exposed to. The researchers suggested that the OSHA standard of 10 mg/cubic meter should be lowered, because measurable damage to the lungs can occur at levels as low as 4 mg/cubic meter. To the credit of commercial grain operators, this study showed that they have been conscientious in their efforts to keep a dust-free environment. The median dust level to which workers were exposed was 2 mg/cubic meter, a level low enough to avoid detectable damage. However, some workers, especially those involved in grain transfer operations, were exposed to much higher and much more damaging levels.

Although farmers breathe less grain dust and are less likely to suffer severe effects from it, some do get symptoms of exposure ranging all the way from stuffy nose to asthma, chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since private farmers don't fall under OSHA regulations, they need to take steps to protect themselves. Some good measures have already been taken. For example, most farmers now harvest grain from the comfort of a well-insulated cab. Wearing a dust mask or at least staying upwind from grain during transport and grinding operations is an easy way to avoid breathing grain dust. Gene Andersen, a farmer from Vernon County, Missouri, has gone a step further. He installed a vacuum system to clear dust and debris from his grain during transfer into his elevator. In doing this, he was able to improve the grade and moisture content of the grain as well.

Diagnosing grain dust exposure can be tricky. Different people may react differently to the same type of grain dust. Symptoms, however, are generally allergic in nature, and while a physician may not be able to rule out other possible causes, treatment is available that will greatly improve the quality of life for those who suffer from grain dust-related illnesses.

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