Lung disease and gardening

I am so sorry to hear, and really surprised. I manage 9 compost bins, and regularly break up corrugated cardboard to add 'brown' material to balance the PH.

Yes, I'd heard of this before jeanie99 and thank you for the
reminder.

Compost can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause lung disease.
Aspergillosis is a fungal disease that can be caught from compost and from other sources, leading to COPD.

I do hope your condition is being managed and that you are coping as well as possible.

Thank you jeannie99 for the heads up.
I also put cardboard in the compost system and was about to put a layer around the inside of my robot bin for winter insulation as usual. I wouldn’t have thought of wearing a mask while doing so.

Do hope you are able to get really good medical advice and feel better soon.

Yes, thanks for the reminder. Compost is great for plants but not for lungs.

It is possible you have ABPA, or Allergic Brocho-Pulmonary Aspergillosis which is caused by being exposed to mould and fungus and causes lung damage. Not all GPs are aware of it. I would ask to a referral to a lung specialist.

Are people talking about closed compost bins or open compost stacks?

You can find the Aspergillosis in many places, not just in compost. I have COPD and have been tested for it on a number of occasions. Fortunately each time, I have not tested positive for it, despite having other lung conditions.

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mould (fungus). The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.

The mould that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Most strains of this mold are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses when people with weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma inhale their fungal spores.

In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond.

Thank you, jeannie99.

The more I find out about compost in its various shapes and forms, the more it concerns me. Aspergillosis can be a common result of its usage. I have lots of stone troughs and pots, and was about to order sacks of something called perlite to add to the compost mixture. It helps with water retention for the plants, and is like white, hard, and granular balls. Apparently it is advisablr to wear a dust mask when handling it because it gets into the throat and lungs. I think I'll give that idea a miss next week when I plant my bulbs.

I hope you're not suffering too much.

Marydoll

You can find the Aspergillosis in many places, not just in compost. I have COPD and have been tested for it on a number of occasions. Fortunately each time, I have not tested positive for it, despite having other lung conditions.

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mould (fungus). The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.

The mould that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Most strains of this mold are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses when people with weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma inhale their fungal spores.

^In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond.^

Where did I say it was only found in compost?

I have had ABPA for almost 30 years so should know what I'm talking about.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Must say, I feel, perhaps wrongly- that this would be more of a problem with poorly managed composts with the wrong layers. But I will use cutter with cardboard, instead of tearing, from now on.

keepingquiet

Marydoll

You can find the Aspergillosis in many places, not just in compost. I have COPD and have been tested for it on a number of occasions. Fortunately each time, I have not tested positive for it, despite having other lung conditions.

Aspergillosis is an infection caused by a type of mould (fungus). The illnesses resulting from aspergillosis infection usually affect the respiratory system, but their signs and severity vary greatly.

The mould that triggers the illnesses, aspergillus, is everywhere — indoors and outdoors. Most strains of this mold are harmless, but a few can cause serious illnesses when people with weakened immune systems, underlying lung disease or asthma inhale their fungal spores.

^In some people, the spores trigger an allergic reaction. Other people develop mild to serious lung infections. The most serious form of aspergillosis — invasive aspergillosis — occurs when the infection spreads to blood vessels and beyond.^

Where did I say it was only found in compost?

I have had ABPA for almost 30 years so should know what I'm talking about.

My post was intended to add more information to the thread Nothing else. There was absolutely no intention to upset anyone.

I have been tested on and off for it since November 1977, because my symptoms can sometimes mimic it.
I remember the first time clearly, because I ended up being in High Dependency for six weeks with severe breathing problems.

I forgot to add that I was tested again for it last week, when my GP was concerned about my chest problems, prior to my long awaited respiratory appointment with the cystic fibrosis consultant.
Unfortunately, I still don't have the results.

Fleurpepper

Must say, I feel, perhaps wrongly- that this would be more of a problem with poorly managed composts with the wrong layers. But I will use cutter with cardboard, instead of tearing, from now on.

No, it's everywhere.

Allira

Fleurpepper

Must say, I feel, perhaps wrongly- that this would be more of a problem with poorly managed composts with the wrong layers. But I will use cutter with cardboard, instead of tearing, from now on.

No, it's everywhere.

I shall certainly do some research as soon as I have time- got to go and do all the pruning and weeding at two of the Museums I volunteer for. Lovely sunny day for it thankfully.

Still grey here.

Off to the supermarket.
I shall be mindful of cardboard as I never knew that.

Yes, after all, it is wood pulp. For the right chemical balance in a compost, for it to work well- you need layers of 'green' and 'brown'. Cardboard is perfect. My 9 compost bins (!) thrive on this, and the worms just love those carboards layers.

We are so lucky to be having a real Indian Summer- sunny and bright. Cold at night, but warming up nicely in the warm sun- had lunch in the garden yesterday. We live at 950 metres, so quite high in altitude.