working in an enviroment with airborn flour.

gazeofsorrow · Joined: 16 Jul 2005 Posts: 11

i currently work at Kroger (some of you may know it as frys, dillons, city market, king soopers). my work is in the deli dept. and we make our own fired chicken. so obviously when i prepare this, flour becomes airborn. i am wondering if there is any danger due to inhaled flour, and if it so, should i request a transfer to another department?

aklap · Joined: 02 Oct 2004 Posts: 8795 Location: WI, USA

Hi Gaze,

Unfortunately airborne flour can be an issue. It can be inhaled and then swallowed. I think one of our memebers here worked somewhere that had airborne flour and was inhaling it...she reacted. It took her a bit to realize where/how it was happening.

I supposed you could wear a mask.
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

GFLyn · Guest

Gaze,
From personal experience, I believe airborne flour can be a problem for celiacs. Prior to my diagnosis (CD), I worked in a bakery. My doctor expressed many stats about the dangers and the increased mortality rates of celiacs that do not follow a GF regume.

Your exposure may be a point of concern. I realize the flour issue (we also worked with gluten) is much greater in a bakery, but the hardest thing I found was the flour infiltrates everything - from your clothes to your car, even your hair. It was hard to "get away" from it.

I am not familiar with Kroger's setup for ventaliation/fans/fresh air. Nor am I familiar with the procedure you are working with. I would only offer that you proceed with caution - even with a mask, gloves, apron and air filtration systems. Perhaps, instead, you could lead Kroger's "nutritional and health" section to a new level with your knowledge of grain & other intolerances! That would be exciting!

Best wishes,
Lyn