[Silo filler's syndrome].

: In 1975 an acute febrile bronchopulmonary illness after massive inhalation of fungal spores in silos was described as "pulmonary mycotoxicosis". Subsequently the disorder was referred to as "silo unloader's syndrome" or as a special form of "organic dust toxic syndrome" (ODTS). In this article the three cases of silo unloader's syndrome recognized by the Swiss National Accident Insurance Company (SUVA) between 1978 and 1989 as being an occupational disease are described. Two of the three patients with ODTS were wrongly diagnosed as suffering from allergic alveolitis and a change of occupation was proposed. Therefore, it is important to recognize ODTS in order to avoid unnecessary treatment and a change of occupation. ODTS can be prevented by technical measures such as prevention of mould formation and, in the case of exposure to fungal spores, use of an adequate breathing mask or a powered dust respirator helmet.