Fungal infection, also known as mycosis, is a disease caused by fungi. Workers in certain industries, especially those involving soil, dust, or damp environments, are at increased risk for fungal infections. Infections are caused by breathing in fungal spores that get into the air. Some jobs and work activities that disturb soil in areas where the fungi live can release fungal spores into the air and put workers at higher risk. Symptoms include fever, cough, muscle aches and pain in the joints, back, chest, or ribs, and fatigue.
Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever,is an infection caused by a fungus called Coccidioides. These fungi live in the soil andare found in the southwestern and some parts of pacific northwestern United States. Precautions include:
· Stop work in dust storms or high winds,
· Minimize hand digging.
· Dig with equipment that has enclosed, air-conditioned, HEPA-filtered cabs.
· Continuously wet the soil while digging or moving earth,
· Stay upwind of digging when possible
Blastomycosisis an infection from a fungus called Blastomyces. Blastomycesmainly live in the midwestern, south-central, and southeastern states. It is most common in the eastern United States. The fungus lives in the environment in moist soil and decomposing plant matter like wood and leaves. Precautions include:
· Stay inside in windy, dusty conditions.
· Avoid activities that stir up or increase contact with dirt.
· Wear long sleeve and pants when spending time in the woods.
Histoplasmosis is an infection from a fungus called Histoplasma. Histoplasmamainly lives in soil in the central and eastern United States. However, it can likely live in other parts of the country as well, especially if the environmental conditions (e.g. soil pH) are highly suitable. It grows especially well in places containing large amounts of bird or bat droppings. Precautions include:
- Prevent the accumulation of bird or bat droppings in the first place by excluding bats and birds from buildings.
- Eliminate or reduce dust if you must remove droppings or if you are doing construction, excavation, or demolition in areas where Histoplasma is present in the environment (for example, spray water or use other dust suppression techniques).
Employers and workers can take steps to reduce risk and prevent workplace exposures. Employers should train exposed workers in the effects of fungal spores and the best ways to reduce that exposure.
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