A commonly-found type of Legionella bacterium which can be
present in potting mix has been shown to cause
legionnaire's disease in some people. ODT file photo.
Following recent cases of
Legionella infection
(legionellosis) in Christchurch, the Nursery and Garden
Industry Association (NGIA) has endorsed Ministry of Health
guidelines on safe gardening.
"Gardening is a popular pastime enjoyed by thousands of New
Zealanders, helping people relax and escape the stresses of
life" said Dr John Liddle of the Nursery and Garden Industry
Association.
"It provides enjoyment and exercise.
"The huge growth of interest in home-grown vegetables and
fruit in recent years has added to people's culinary
enjoyment, and help stretched their budgets further."
Although soil is rich with living organisms beneficial to
plants which generally cause no harm to animals or people, it
also contains some organisms that are not beneficial.
A commonly-found type of Legionella bacterium is one
of these and has been shown to cause legionnaire's disease in
some people.
Dr Liddle said it could, on rare occasions, be inhaled in
water vapour and in the dust associated with soil and potting
mix. Not all those who come into contact with the bacteria
become sick and symptoms vary from person to person. If
people become infected with Legionella, they may get
flu-like symptoms that can range from mild to severe.
But if people have other health concerns they may be more
susceptible to the bacteria.
Those most at risk include smokers, the elderly and those
with existing respiratory illnesses and weakened immune
systems.
Reduce your risk
The Ministry of Health has provided safe gardening guidelines
to help reduce the risks when gardening.
The guidelines advise gardeners to:
• Minimise the amount of dust when working in the garden.
• Water gardens and indoor plants using a gentle spray.
• Read the warning label on bagged composts or potting mix.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear a dust mask so that any dust is filtered out before
you can breathe it in.
• Dampen potting mixes before use. Open bags of soil products
slowly, away from the face.
• Make sure the working area (glasshouse, potting shed) is
well ventilated.
• See a doctor if you develop a flu-like illness which is
worsening.
• Wash hands thoroughly after gardening or handling soil
products.
The Ministry of Health guidelines also provide advice on
garden chemicals, poisonous plants, insect stings and bites,
garden machinery, injuries and being sun-smart.
www.healthed.govt.nz/resources/saferandhealthiergardening.aspx
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