Research: Cannabis Industry Workers May be at High Risk of Respiratory Problems

Working at a cannabis cultivation facility can be a dream come true for many workers. But, as reported in Safety and Health Magazine, those workers could be at increased risk of respiratory issues, if not protected properly. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Washington, looked at two Washington state cultivation facilities, surveying a total of 42 employees working at the grows.

7 of 10 workers surveyed exhibited abnormal lung function, and half of the workers studied showed borderline to high levels of nitrous oxide exhalation, which can be a cause of inflammation of the airways. The trim area of the Washington facilities studied showed the highest levels of airborne particle mass, at 60 micrograms per cubic meter. The lead scientist in the study encouraged employers to consider implementing exposure controls for tasks that generate high levels of dust, such as in the pre-roll task area, where crushed cannabis flower is packed into rolled joints and can create exposures.