Agricultural workers are exposed to high levels of airborne dust particles, including mineral, field, and barn dusts, chaff and pollen. These small size particles have consistently been associated with adverse respiratory health effects, including chronic cough, chronic phlegm, reduced lung function, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Another serious danger for agricultural workers involves combustible dust from grains and other crops. If accumulated, grain dust can be easily ignited by a stray spark, overheated bearing or many other small ignition hazards.