From Summer 2001 - Volume 3, Number 4

Here are some pointers you should know about when you are working in dusty conditions:

• In many situations extremely dusty conditions can be reduced by putting a little water on the source of the dust—the hay bale, silo cap, etc., or by moving your work to a well ventilated area where you can stay up-wind of the dust.
• Smoking reduces lung function so if you don't smoke you start with a big advantage.
• Any kind of dust can harm your health. The more dust that gets into your lungs, the more chance of illness there is. Allergies to organic dusts can cause serious long-term lung damage.
• Inexpensive, disposable dust masks of the correct size and fit with two straps (approved by NIOSH and/or MISA) can keep 95% of dust out of your lungs.
• Protection from any type of mist requires a cartridge type respirator that has been fit-tested for you.
• Any type of dust mask should be stored in an air-tight container like a plastic bag.
• No mask or half-face respirator will protect you from gasses like silo gas and carbon monoxide.