Dust produced from various processes involving grain can be a complex mixture of particle types. Surprisingly the inorganic proportion is often high. A possible explanation is that the grain is contaminated with soil deposited by rain-splash or settled from air. Particles of organic origin are fragments of foliage, grain, insects or mites. They are generally more biologically active than inorganic dusts and therefore potentially more harmful when inhaled. Of special concern from an occupational health point of view are mould and bacteria that live as parasites or saprophytes on the grain. They can cause different kind of illnesses among the farm workers.
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