RE: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost

From: Robert Norsen <bnbrew_at_yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 15 May 2003 17:11:23 -0700 (PDT)

A close friend worked in his garden with such stuff, became ill, delayed going for treatment, very ill, doctor did'nt recognize problem until sombody said "putting compost and wood chips & bark under his roses" Then the doctor knew what to do. saved his life but the damage was enough that he has been on O2 the rest of his life.
 
The illness is controlled if the cause is reported as a typical farm dust problem. Bob

Tom Jaszewski <tomj_at_livesoil.com> wrote:


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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 - 00:00:07 EDT

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