DUST-EXPOSURE, DUST-INDUCED LUNG-DISEASE AND RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS IN FARMING

Epidemiologic studies indicate a high prevalence of respiratory diseas es among the farming population. Many of these diseases are responsibl e for disability and death and there is a considerable impact on the e conomy and health cost expenditure. Respirable organic dust plays a ma jor pathogenetic role. Part I of this review discusses the diseases an d syndromes caused by organic dust: organic dust toxic syndrome; chron ic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; asthma; and h ypersensitivity pneumonitis. Part II describes preventive measures for dust control. Besides technical aspects in the process of agriculture production, special emphasis is placed on personal protective equipme nt systems (face-masks and air-purifying respirators). Applications, a dvantages and disadvantages of these systems are discussed and critica lly compared.