What is bakers lung?

Answer 1

Baker's Lung is a lung condition common in people who work in bakery environments. The wheat and flour dust when inhaled can irritate the lungs.

I have worked in a bakery for the past 2 and a half years, and have been diagnosed with baker's lung.

It is a form of Asthma. It is caused by the occupational environment.

Dust masks are not effective; a full body suit and respiratory suit would be required.

If you've got Baker's Lung the only 'cure' (if caught early enough little long term effects will happen), is to leave the bakery industry. Leaving behind the nasty flour dusty particles.

Yes it sucks, but would you rather work in a place where your lungs are getting worse - longer term exposure increases your chances of loss of lung function. (Which may mean you're more likely to need a lung transplant).

I'm currently at the mid point of this, I'm leaving my bakery job. (Even though I loved it)... is it worth staying somewhere that may kill me? No way. I'm off to bigger and brighter things - hopefully with even less medications! ;)

--My specialist told me I could be off my asthma meds within a year as long as I stay away from flour -- eating it is fine, but using it in it's pre-cooked form is bad.