| Can Gardeners Catch Deadly Legionnaire's Disease from Potting Soil? Most gardeners consider their hobby to be a healthy one, but they maybe unknowingly exposed to Legionnaire's disease, a serious pneumonia that often has long term effects after the pneumonia has cleared. Gardeners should consider wearing gloves and a face mask when they handle soil, compost, organic fertilizer, or other similar products. In recent years, it was reported that several people were hospitalized and/or died after contracting Legionnaires' disease from contaminated potting soil. However, transmission of the disease through potting soil, compost, and organic fertilizer is closely associated with one species of Legionella in particular: Legionella longbeachae. "EMSL Analytical provides the most sophisticated Legionella testing available and can implement a variety of validated methodologies to suit our clients' needs," states Diane Miskowski, MPH, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical. "We are very proud that the CDC has deemed our laboratories in Cinnaminson, NJ; Houston, TX; San Leandro, CA; and Manhattan proficient in Legionella testing. Can Gardeners Catch Deadly Legionnaire's Disease from Potting Soil? |
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Can Gardeners Catch Deadly Legionnaire's Disease from Potting Soil?
