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Bat guano and resiratory desease.
- Thread starter minds_I
- Start date
Most organic amendments aren't good to breath. It's a good idea to mix your soil outside or somewhere where there is ventilation. If I have to mix my soil indoors I make sure I do by an open window or in the bathroom with the vent fan on. Even wearing a mask or something to cover your mouth is good too.
or perlite... white clouds of death
bartender187 said:or perlite... white clouds of death
Yea Perlite is rough. The first time I used I breathed it in. I felt sick all day. It's not good for you I can guarentee that.
Their is, however, one serious human illness connected with guano.
Histoplasmosis,
caused by the fungus Histoplasm capsulatum, produces symptoms similar to influenza in mild cases, or pneumonia when severe.
In persons with compromised immune systems, histoplasmosis can produce complications leading to death.
Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected—this form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if untreated.
Accumulations of both bird and bat guano can contain the Histoplasm spores, as can manure from old poultry houses.
The problems are most severe in piles that have aged for two or more years, as the fungus has additional time to proliferate and produce spores.
In a fresh state, bat guano is more hazardous than bird guano because infected bats can "shed" the organism and rapidly inoculate the manure.
It appears that those who spend time in caves, and those who harvest and package guano, are at the greatest risk of infection.
Cases of infection through later handling are apparently not common, though if they have occurred, they may well have been misdiagnosed as influenza or a similar ailment.
Infections come about when dust and other aerosols bearing the fungal spores are inhaled.
Therefore respirators and masks are recommended when handling guanos.
Also, clothing should be removed carefully afterwards to avoid inhaling accumulated dusts. .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoplasmosis
At the present time, the NOP regulations treat guano as raw, uncomposted manure.
It is therefore subject to the same 90- and 120-day application restrictions (refers to organic edible produce).
It is relatively safe but rather expensive for organic production.
It's use is best justified on high-value crops.
Bat Guano Thread with "Histoplasmosis" references...
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=15272
Histoplasmosis,
caused by the fungus Histoplasm capsulatum, produces symptoms similar to influenza in mild cases, or pneumonia when severe.
In persons with compromised immune systems, histoplasmosis can produce complications leading to death.
Its symptoms vary greatly, but the disease primarily affects the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected—this form of the disease is called disseminated histoplasmosis, and it can be fatal if untreated.
Accumulations of both bird and bat guano can contain the Histoplasm spores, as can manure from old poultry houses.
The problems are most severe in piles that have aged for two or more years, as the fungus has additional time to proliferate and produce spores.
In a fresh state, bat guano is more hazardous than bird guano because infected bats can "shed" the organism and rapidly inoculate the manure.
It appears that those who spend time in caves, and those who harvest and package guano, are at the greatest risk of infection.
Cases of infection through later handling are apparently not common, though if they have occurred, they may well have been misdiagnosed as influenza or a similar ailment.
Infections come about when dust and other aerosols bearing the fungal spores are inhaled.
Therefore respirators and masks are recommended when handling guanos.
Also, clothing should be removed carefully afterwards to avoid inhaling accumulated dusts. .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Histoplasmosis
At the present time, the NOP regulations treat guano as raw, uncomposted manure.
It is therefore subject to the same 90- and 120-day application restrictions (refers to organic edible produce).
It is relatively safe but rather expensive for organic production.
It's use is best justified on high-value crops.
Bat Guano Thread with "Histoplasmosis" references...
http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=15272
Last edited:
Background:
Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that remains in a mycelial form at ambient temperatures and grows as yeast at body temperature in mammals.
Although the fungus can be found in temperate climates throughout the world, it is endemic to the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi River valleys in the United States. Internationally, the fungus is predominantly found in river valleys between latitudes 45° north and 30° south in North and Central America.
The soil in endemic areas provides an acidic damp environment with high organic content that is good for mycelial growth
Highly infectious soil is found near areas inhabited by bats and birds.
Birds cannot be infected by the fungus and do not transmit the disease; however, bird excretions contaminate the soil, thereby enriching the growth medium for the mycelium.
In contrast, bats can become infected, and they transmit the fungus through droppings.
Contaminated soil can be potentially infectious for years.
Most individuals who are infected are asymptomatic.
Those who develop clinical manifestations are usually immunocompromised or are exposed to a high quantity of inoculum.
...
http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic1021.htm
Histoplasma capsulatum is a dimorphic fungus that remains in a mycelial form at ambient temperatures and grows as yeast at body temperature in mammals.
Although the fungus can be found in temperate climates throughout the world, it is endemic to the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi River valleys in the United States. Internationally, the fungus is predominantly found in river valleys between latitudes 45° north and 30° south in North and Central America.
The soil in endemic areas provides an acidic damp environment with high organic content that is good for mycelial growth
Highly infectious soil is found near areas inhabited by bats and birds.
Birds cannot be infected by the fungus and do not transmit the disease; however, bird excretions contaminate the soil, thereby enriching the growth medium for the mycelium.
In contrast, bats can become infected, and they transmit the fungus through droppings.
Contaminated soil can be potentially infectious for years.
Most individuals who are infected are asymptomatic.
Those who develop clinical manifestations are usually immunocompromised or are exposed to a high quantity of inoculum.
...
http://www.emedicine.com/MED/topic1021.htm
Last edited:
jaykush said:!!! were going to die of mixing organic soil before the weed kills us
aint that some shit!
G
Guest
I got a big wiff oneday .and i felt a head throb coming and felt sick about 2 days so i stoped being agressive with it.i still use it and i like pellet form more then powder.my q is what are the semptoms of over use?
Dust masks are like 5$ a pack of 5 and do the job.
Bags of perlite can be cut open at the top and bottom with small holes and just pour hose water in the top of the bag, this will drain out or anchor the dust before scooping it into your mix.
I keep a hand sprayer close to tame the dust, I also mix my ingredients in a mixing box made of plywood so i just roll it around for awhile to mix with no dust.
Bags of perlite can be cut open at the top and bottom with small holes and just pour hose water in the top of the bag, this will drain out or anchor the dust before scooping it into your mix.
I keep a hand sprayer close to tame the dust, I also mix my ingredients in a mixing box made of plywood so i just roll it around for awhile to mix with no dust.
