Silo-Fillers Disease

FROM time to time during the last two years, case reports have appeared in the literature describing a respiratory disease that afflicted farmers working in silos.1 2 3 4 5 This condition has been attributed to the irritating effect of nitrogen dioxide and its polymer, nitrogen tetroxide.3 4 5 Both these gases are heavier than air and highly toxic when inhaled. In industry their hazards are well known.1 2 3 4 5 The term "silo-fillers disease" refers to any bronchopulmonic condition produced by exposure to oxides of nitrogen derived from fresh silage.Case ReportOn a mid-November evening in 1956 an elderly farmer was seen at his home because of . . .