Agricultural dust exposure during threshing: Health implications and abatement solutions

Abstract

Dust generated during agricultural activities, particularly threshing, poses significant health risks to farm workers due to exposure to particulate matter (PM), including PM10 and PM2.5. This review explores the sources, types, and health impacts of agricultural dust, emphasizing the differences between organic and inorganic dust. It highlights the need for effective dust control solutions, particularly in developing regions where personal protective equipment usage is low. The study underscores the importance of developing economical, user-friendly, and maintenance-free dust abatement systems to reduce exposure and protect worker health while maintaining agricultural productivity.