Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome

Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS) is an illness caused by inhaling large amounts of organic dust from sources like grain, mold, or animal bedding. This dust contains particles that can irritate the lungs and trigger flu-like symptoms, including cough, fever, muscle aches, and fatigue. Unlike infections, ODTS is a reaction to the dust itself, not a germ. Symptoms usually appear within hours of exposure and resolve in a few days with rest and avoidance of further dust inhalation. It’s common in agricultural and woodworking environments where dust is prevalent.