AgDARE - Agricultural Disability Awareness and Risk Education

Farmer's Lung - Study Sheet (Teacher's Guide)

1. What is another name for Farmer's Lung?

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

2. What causes Farmer's Lung?

dusts, molds, and irritants (organic molecules) that are inhaled

3. Name three irritants farmers are exposed to that can cause the disease.

dusts, gases, vapors, fumes, molds, bacteria

4. What are some common sources of these irritants on the farm? (Name at least 6.)

bird droppings, dust, compost, moldy hay, wood chip litter, bedding, grain dust, chemicals

5. List the symptoms of Farmer's Lung.

shortness of breath, muscle pain, fever, loss of appetite, cough, chills

6. Compare and contrast the two levels of disease in Farmer's Lung.

acute

• 4-6 hours after exposure
  
• very sick for 2-5 days (like the flu)
  
• can still do farm work but needs to wear respiratory protection and
  avoid reoccurrence

chronic

• develops other lung problems, like:
  - emphysema
  - permanent irreversible lung damage (scarring)
  
• weight loss

7. How many people with Farmer's Lung develop into the chronic stage?

about 1 out of 20 (5%)

What usually happens to the person as a result of a chronic infection?

They become disabled and eventually die.

8. There is no vaccine against Farmer's Lung. What four steps can you take to avoid developing the disease?

1. use appropriate personal protective equipment (mask, respirator)
2. increase ventilation
3. change behavior or the task itself
4. education - learn about ways to protect yourself

9. When should you wear Personal Protective Equipment?

anytime you are exposed to dust, molds, or other irritants

10. You are cleaning out stalls at a local horse barn. The barn is long and low, with dirt floors and pine shavings for bedding. What steps should you take to properly ventilate the work area and protect yourself from allergens?

1. be sure to vent away from you (back and front)
2. clean often to avoid build up of molds and toxins
3. don't stir up the dust
4. sprinkle shavings with water before cleaning to keep dust down
5. wear a particulate mask (2 strap) if very dusty

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