Health effects of organic dusts in the farm environment. Report on prevention and control.

Means for reduction of dust control were summarized and priorities assigned to education and engineering control of farm equipment in the work on prevention. Personal protection equipment was reviewed and positive pressure respiratory helmets suggested for more extended use. A fuller characterization of exposure agents, such as peak levels and measurement of different particle sizes was recommended. For medical prevention, priorities should be given to establishment of health care delivery organizations, particularly for farmers, and to specific prevention measures which were discussed in connection with each disease entity. Recommendations for further research include development of new measuring techniques, assessments of new equipment and work practices, and establishment of additional information on dose-response relationships and etiologic agents causing lung disease.