RE: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

From: Tom Jaszewski <tomj_at_livesoil.com>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 17:44:41 -0700

Thanks Jeff, I found that site http://www.cogs.asn.au/articles/cogworm1.htm

A search of the CDC and the resources list (4) and (5) don’t yield any
specifics on vermicompost. EVERY product we have purchased, the good, bad,
and ugly dry out and create a hazard by CDC standards. The very species we
want in our products are listed as “pathogens”. My point here ends with the
fact that EVERY diverse compost, if dried out and handles as to create dust,
is a hazard by CDC standards.


(4) “WASTE-MANAGEMENT-INDUSTRY

SORTING AND RECYCLING OF DOMESTIC WASTE. REVIEW OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
PROBLEMS AND THEIR POSSIBLE CAUSES

Occupational health problems associated with recycling programs were
discussed, including musculoskeletal problems, pulmonary diseases, organic
dust toxic syndrome, gastrointestinal problems and irritation of the eye,
skin, and mucous membranes. General descriptions of the technologies, health
problems, and exposures were given for various types of facilities,
including refuse transfer stations, landfills, incinerators, sorting
facilities, and compost and biogas producing facilities. The authors
conclude that the major occupational health problems at waste recycling
facilities are pulmonary disorders, organic dust toxic syndrome like
symptoms, gastrointestinal problems, eye inflammation, skin irritation,
upper airway irritation, and musculoskeletal system disorders.
Science of the Total Environment, 168(1):33-56, 1995. (88 references)

(5) Abstract: Data are sparse on waste collector's exposure to bioaerosols.
The present study was designed to obtain data on the exposure of workers
collecting three different types of source-segregated household waste:
garden waste, recyclable materials, and waste for incineration. Personal
samples of airborne contaminants were obtained with the assistance of crews
of waste collectors. Two sampling periods (spring and autumn) were used to
test the hypothesis that exposure level differed between seasons of the
year. Parallel samples were collected to allow determination of dust and
airborne microorganisms. Dust samples were analysed for endotoxin, and total
microorganisms were counted microscopically and viable fungi and bacteria by
culture. Workers collecting garden waste were more heavily exposed to
bioaerosols than workers collecting either recyclable materials or waste for
incineration - factors ranging from less than 2 (viable bacteria) to 25-60
(viable fungi). Garden waste collector's exposure to bioaerosols differed
between seasons. The predominant microorganisms from garden waste were fungi
(especially Penicillium spp.) and actinomycetes were the predominant
bacteria cultured.


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

-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Lowenfels [mailto:jeff_at_gardener.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 5:14 PM
To: compost_tea_at_yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

 Here is one ....
In summary - keep on or start worm farming, but be aware that there are pros
and cons to using castings. With a bit of knowledge and observation you can
arrive at a superlative result in the end!
A caution: As said above, raw organic matter is full of pathogens.
Vermicompost is not pure worm castings, i.e. it does have a component of
unbroken down organic matter. Be careful handling this material since
disturbing it will generate clouds of airborne fungal spores and toxic
bacteria, which can give you what’s called organic dust toxic syndrome
(ODTS). ODTS features symptoms such as gastrointestinal upsets, influenza
type symptoms and irritation to the airways.[4] You’ll be more likely to
have problems in summertime, when everything is dustier, so wearing a dust
mask is recommended.[5]
References
[1] Appelhof, Mary, Worms eat my garbage, Flower Press, Michigan USA 1982,
p.68
[2] Ibid
[3] Finola, M., Rodriguez C., Beoletto, V. "Gastrointestinal bacteriology of
the earthworm Eisenia foetida grown in composted broiler litter." Rev Argent
Microbiol 1995 Oct-Dec; 27(4):210-3. Abstract in Medline, PMID 8850134
[4] Poulsen OM, Breum NO, Ebbehoj N, et al. "Sorting and recycling of
domestic waste. Review of occupational health problems and their possible
causes." Sci Total Environ 1995 May 19; 168(1):33-56. Abstract in Medline,
PMID 7610383
[5] Ivens UI, Ebbehoj N, Poulsen OM, Skov T. "Season, equipment, and job
function related to gastrointestinal problems in waste collectors." Occup
Environ Med 1997 Dec;54(12):861-7. Abstract in Medline, PMID 947089




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Received on Fri May 16 2003 - 00:00:07 EDT

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