Every pet we brush exposes us to dirt, dust, and dander in animals' coats. When we clip hair, fragments of it are in the air we breathe. When we buff the claws, the residue floats around us. And then there is drying, when we aim high volumes of air directly into the fur, causing skin cells, tiny particles, and even chemical residue from the products we use to become airborne.
There is a recognized medical condition called “Groomer's Lung.” It is also known as occupational asthma or hypersensitivity pneumonitis. The National Institutes of Health has this to say: “Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can happen when you repeatedly breathe in bacteria, mold, or chemicals in your environment that cause inflammation in your lungs. These harmful substances may be found in air conditioners, humidifiers, and ventilation systems. Bird droppings, feathers, and animal furs. Mar 24, 2022”
People in the pet grooming industry are at risk for contracting this ailment because they are regularly exposed to pollutants in the air they breathe. People who work in poorly ventilated areas or enclosed spaces may be more at risk of developing respiratory ailments.
Symptoms may include a chronic cough, difficulty catching one's breath, excessive mucus production, fatigue, and discomfort in the chest. If you have any of these symptoms, inform your health care provider of your occupation.
To help protect your delicate lungs, work in a well-ventilated area, minimize the use of aerosol sprays, and wear a mask while working. Tools such as vacuum systems that attach to your clipper and Dremel tool will help contain many of the potential irritants in the air and are an important investment in your health.
Pre-bathing dogs before brushing or clipping them is an excellent way to reduce potential airborne irritants. The shampoo and water capture many of the irritating culprits and wash them harmlessly down the drain. Doing at least some of the deshedding by brushing or raking dead coat out while the dog is wet and in the tub also helps control much of the hair that would otherwise fly around the room.
Maintaining a clean working environment is also a good preventative, as is meticulously cleaning the filters in dryers, vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, and heating units. Taking good care of these filters helps them collect potential irritants before you inhale them.
We only get one set of lungs; keeping them healthy is essential.
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