One in five people living in Northern Ireland will be affected by a lung condition in their lifetime, according to Asthma + Lung UK (ALUK) in Northern Ireland, so it is vital that action is taken now, noted the Agri-Rural Health Forum’s Dr Rebecca Orr.
“Farmers are exposed to a range of inhaled irritants during the course of their work on farms including dust, gases, chemicals and organic material. Conditions such as farmer’s lung and occupational asthma may have a devastating and lasting impact on long-term health and their livelihoods.
“So, it’s crucial they seek medical help as even the most subtle of symptoms can indicate early problems or dismissed as a common cold, minor cough or fatigue. See your GP for help and don’t let farming take your breath away when simple steps can prevent it,” she added.
The campaign will provide advice on simple steps farmers can take to protect themselves. Dr Bryan Monson, Deputy CEO of the Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI), said: “We want farmers to realise that looking after their lung health is as important as looking after any other safety aspect on the farm. Chemicals and dusts encountered on farms have the potential to damage our lungs, but by taking simple steps we can prevent long-term ill health.
“Always wear a properly designed dust mask, ensure good ventilation in enclosed areas and work upwind from dusty activities. Use vacuum cleaners to remove dust or wet down dust before sweeping it and while preventative measures are crucial, recognising and responding to early symptoms are equality important,” he added.
Symptoms to watch out for:
- Feeling breathless
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
- Coughing up phlegm
- Chest tightness or pain
- Cough not getting better or getting worse
Joseph Carter, Head of ALUK Northern Ireland, pointed out that since one in five people living in Northern Ireland will be affected by a lung condition in their lifetime, “it’s vitally important that farming jobs are undertaken in a safe and secure environment, knowing that people have the knowledge to protect their lungs and their long-term health”.
The joint initiative was launched during this year’s Balmoral Show (14-17 May) at the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn, Innovative visuals and cutting-edge technology to reveal how dusts may become suspended in air and how lungs move when respiring were showcased by medics Prof Nigel Hart, Prof Helen Reid and Prof Gerry Gormley.
Spirometry, used to diagnose different types of lung disease, was demonstrated by physiologist Dr Sean Roe, while specialist interstitial lung disease nurses and farm family health checks were also on hand to give advice and support, during the campaign launch.
The HSENI, a member of the Farm Safety Partnership, will be promoting good workplace health within the farming sector including respiratory health, safety in the sun, manual handling and mental health, as part of its Workplace Health Campaign 2025-26.
ALUK (At Asthma + Lung UK) Northern Ireland collaborates with government and partners to improve asthma care, reduce air pollution, and support rehabilitation for those with lung conditions in Northern Ireland. As part of this project, they are partnering with the NI Agri-Rural Forum and the HSENI to promote respiratory health in rural communities.
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