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Respiratory
Disease
The agricultural work place has many respiratory hazards. These include dusts, molds,
bacteria, gases, agricultural chemicals, and infectious microorganisms. Farmers and
their families inhale the respiratory toxins in the form of dust particles, mists, fumes,
and gases. Many respiratory diseases can occur in those working in agriculture.
Properly diagnosing and treating these conditions correctly can be difficult because
of the overlapping symptoms that mimic viral syndromes or bronchitis. If a proper
occupational history is not taken, antibiotics may be given inappropriately and the
occupational cause(s) not determined. Continued exposure can then lead to the
development of chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, and sinus conditions.
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