RE: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

From: Tom Jaszewski <tomj_at_livesoil.com>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 16:28:35 -0700

http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001001-d001100/d001027/d001027.html

“ODTS typically occurs where a large amount of organic dust is present in
the air. The syndrome often occurs in small clusters and affects most
individuals who are exposed to heavy concentrations of organic dust
contaminated with microorganisms “

Abstract
Acute inhalation of organic dusts such as cotton, hay, silage, grain, animal
confinement, or compost dust can result in illness characterized by fever,
pulmonary inflammation, chest tightness, and airway obstruction. These
agricultural materials are complex mixtures of plant, bacterial, and fungal
products. Elucidation of the time course of disease onset, the mechanisms of
disease progression, and the identity of etiologic agents is essential for
effective prevention and treatment. Toward this end, animal models for acute
organic dust-induced reactions have been developed and characterized.
Information concerning the applicability of various animal models to humans
and progress toward elucidation of causative agents and mechanisms of action
is presented. -- Environ Health Perspect 104(Suppl 1):00-00 (1996)
Key words: agricultural dusts, cotton dusts, mechanisms, etiologic agents,
byssinosis, organic dust toxic syndrome, endotoxin, exposure system, animal
model
So, if we work contrary to SFI compost moisture standards and let the
moisture levels get low enough to create dust we are at risk from any
composted or humus material?

Tom Jaszewski
www.livesoil.com
702-595-7012

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lowenfels [mailto:jeff_at_gardener.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 2:29 PM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

Castings come through worm. Vermicompost has castings in it, but can and
usually does contain considerable organic matter that has not been through
the worm. You really need to be extra, extra careful handling some of this
as there is a disease known as organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) which can
result in airway irratation, stomach and intenstinal problems.....a dust
mask will help.

Testing is important. Know your source. There is some great worm
vermicompost out there and some bad vermicompost. Also, you have to consider
diversity.

Cheers,

Jeff



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Received on Fri May 16 2003 - 00:00:03 EDT

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