What Agricultural Workers Need to Know About Respiratory Protection

What Agricultural Workers Need to Know About Respiratory Protection

Workers’ compensation attorneys near San Jose are all too familiar with cases of agricultural workers who suffer significant personal injuries. Unfortunately, this difficult line of work often carries a high risk of respiratory problems due to environmental factors that may be completely invisible.

Agricultural workers are at risk for respiratory problems associated with corn, soybeans, and animal confinement. Working in these areas exposes workers to high levels of dust. Unfortunately, this dust can carry dangerous mold, bacteria, and chemicals. Complications of dangerous dust exposure include sinus infections, difficulty breathing, and even lung scarring. Many workers experience symptoms like fever, chills, and shortness of breath. These symptoms together are known as organic lung toxic syndrome. To ward off these illnesses, personal injury lawyers advise agricultural workers to always wear well-fitted masks. If you or a loved one has experienced a workplace injury, contact a lawyer to discuss applicable workers compensation laws.