Bad bacteria may be lurking in some compost and potting mixes

There are many healthy bacterium found in compost and potting mixes . But where there are dependable bacterium , there is also the risk of infection of bad bacterium . After a Scottish gardener was diagnosed with Legionnaires ’ disease , contracted from the bacteriaLegionella longbeachaeentering his body through a cut on his hand , many wellness officials in the United Kingdom advertize for warning to be include on bags of compost and potting mixing sell in garden centers . Elderly gardeners and gardeners with already compromise immune systems stand the greatest risk of contracting the disease . Symptoms of Legionnaires ’ disease ( similar to common pneumonia ) let in brusqueness of breather , muscle suffer , tiredness , febricity , and frisson . Although develop the disease from compost and potting mixes is rare , the danger is still present for gardeners around the world . The Royal Horticulture Society has let go advice for safely handling compost . Some key recommendations are listed below , but you may see a full list atwww.rhs.org.uk/Gardening/News/Advice-on-potting-compost .

Safety tips

When working with compost , pot territory , and other commixture , play along some simple guard to protect you from becoming infected with harmful bacterium :

•Wet compost and mixesbefore work with them to minimize airborne detritus subatomic particle that may contain the bacteria . For summate auspices , wear thin a masquerade party to forestall the inhalation of contaminate particle or water droplets.•Wear gloves , and cover any open wounding to prevent bacterium from entering the body .

-FromFine Gardeningissue # 138 , varlet 26

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