Rural Health Matters: Protecting Respiratory Health During Harvest

Dust and other airborne hazards can pose risks for farmers working in the field.

OMAHA, Neb. (RFD News) — Fall harvest can expose farmers and agricultural workers to respiratory hazards from dust and other airborne particles.

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us on Wednesday’s Rural Health Matters to discuss ways workers can protect themselves during harvest.

Gold said repeated exposure can contribute to respiratory problems, making proper protection important. He said N95 masks can provide a minimum level of protection in many situations, while commercial respirators are recommended for chemical applications.

Workers with asthma, COPD or other underlying conditions should take extra precautions in high-dust environments, Gold said.

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Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


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