Agromedicine
An integration of applied, basic, and clinical sciences focused on health 
and safety issues involved in modern agriculture including farm families 
and environments, workers in agricultural associated industries, and 
consumers of agricultural products.  It also involves the social sciences,
education and outreach, and community involvement.

Biotechnology
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 2001- The use 
of biological processes of microbes and of plants or animal cells for 
the benefit of humans. 

Examples of biotechnology:
     Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) RoundupTM tolerant plants: 
     weeds are killed but the desired plants have a gene introduced 
     to make them more resistant to the effects of the pesticide.  
 

Confined Animal Feeding Operation 
 Facilities that confine and feed animals for over 45 days in 
 	a 12-month period and do not store or grow grain.
     
 A concentrated feeding operation contains over 1000 animal units
		     Feedlots
		     Swine confinement facilities
		     Poultry production facilities
	
 Density is expressed in animal units (AU)
		    One AU= any of the following
			    One feeder or slaughter cattle
			    0.7 dairy cow
			    2.5 swine over 55 pounds


Endocrine Disrupter
Endocrine disrupter: a compound which mimics or blocks the effect 
	of hormones, e.g. DDT and estrogen
Adverse developmental or reproductive abnormalities can occur


Endotoxins
Toxins released from the cells of dead gram negative bacteria 
containing a biologically active lipopolysacchride.


Farmer’s Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (FHP)
FHP is a form of allergic alveolitis resulting from an immune complex 
mediated damage with T-lymphocyte mediated reactions and humoral 
antibody formation leading to an inflammatory process and eventual 
fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs.  There are elements of Type 1 and 
Type IV allergic reactions.  Repeated exposures to high levels of 
organic dusts containing thermophillic actinomycetes (bacteria) and 
mold are necessary to cause sensitization.  The three forms are:
	
	Acute-respiratory distress, cough, febrile reactions, positive 
		blood tests more likely on Farmer’s Lung Panel 
		(antibody tests)
	Subacute-less inflammatory reaction, more chronic respiratory 
		symptoms, weight loss
	Chronic-progressive dyspnea on exertion, weight loss, 
		weakness, emphysema


Hydroscopic
High affinity for water.  Hydroscopic compounds will attract and attach 
to all water molecules and draw them from tissues.  


Immediately Dangerous to Life and Health (IDLH)
Environment that lacks enough oxygen to support life, toxic levels of 
hydrogen sulfide and methane.


Inorganic Dusts 
Mineral dusts produced by tilling, harvesting, burning fields, harvesting 
grapes and other fruit.  The primary component is silica from diatomaceous 
earth and granite.  The health effects may include interstitial 
fibrosis or scarring.


Organic Dusts
These dusts are made up of biologically active ingredients from plant and 
animal material found in barns, silos, animal confinement operations, and 
grain storage buildings and elevators. They include microorganisms and their 
inflammatory byproducts. These dusts are the primary cause of 
agricultural respiratory disease.


Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome
An acute inflammatory reaction from breathing in high levels of dusts 
containing bacteria and endotoxin.  This is an inflammatory reaction 
and not an allergic reaction but is identical to acute FHP in symptoms 
and signs.  Repeated exposure may cause sensitization and lead to 
FHP in a minority of people.  
     

Pesticide 
Any substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or 
mitigating any pest

Respirators
Air purifying respirators-removal of contaminant from breathing air by 
filtration or chemical absorption

Air-supplied respirator-provide clean air from outside source or tank e.g. 
Air-supplied respirators or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)

SLUDGE
Muscarinic symptoms-“ all the faucets are turned on”
     S-salivation
     L-lacrimation
     U-urination
     D-defecation
     G-gastric distress
     E-emesis