MIL OSI – Source: Auckland Regional Public Health Service – Release/Statement
Headline: 10 tips to beat gardening’s hidden killer > ARPHS
Springtime and summertime: Time to tackle the flower beds and the veggie patch – but that puts gardeners in the firing line of a potentially deadly bacteria that lurks in soil and compost.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Lavinia Perumal says the legionella bacteria that lurks in soil based products (e.g. composts, potting mixes) has claimed the lives of several New Zealanders over many years.
“Whilst everyone thinks of gardening as a safe and relaxing pastime, breathing in the soil and moisture from a bag of compost is pretty risky,” she says. “Gardeners need to follow the warning on the bag. Most people just don’t realise how serious the risk is.”
Here are Dr Perumal’s top 10 tips for guarding against Legionnaires’ disease while gardening:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling compost or gardening, even if you were wearing gloves.
- Minimise dust when working in the garden. Dampen dry compost heaps before turning or use. Water compost heaps and bedded plants using a gentle spray.
- Do your potting in a well-ventilated area, or outdoors.
- Instead of ripping them apart, open compost bags carefully using scissors. Open the bag slowly, and keep your head and face well clear.
- Avoid touching your face or mouth with your hands while gardening.
- Wear gloves when handling compost/soil.
- Fold over and clip (e.g. with a clothes peg) the top of compost bags when not in use.
- Avoid storing compost in greenhouses which heat up and encourage legionella bacteria to grow.
- Store bagged compost in a cool, dry place.
- Consider wearing a P2 dust mask when handling potting mixes or turning compost. These should be thrown away after a day in the garden.
Anyone can catch Legionnaires’ disease but the most vulnerable are those aged over 50, those with a long-term illness, lung disease, low immunity or cigarette smokers.
Symptoms of the disease, which look like pneumonia, include fevers, coughing, confusion, chest pains and shortness of breath.
Legionnaires’ disease is usually associated with air conditioning cooling towers but Kiwis are more likely to catch it while gardening.
Dr Perumal says: “If you are unlucky enough to develop pneumonia, it’s important to tell your doctor if you have worked in the garden in the last two weeks. But the best thing you can do is prevention- take care and take precautions as listed above.”