Warning over common backyard product sold at Bunnings: 'Never been that sick'
It’s that time of the year to get busy in the garden, but knowing about the potential risks carried by this common household item could save your life.
Spring is the time when many Aussies to head back into their gardens as they get busy with new seeds and fresh plants, but there’s a serious health warning too many of us are ignoring – and doing so could have fatal consequences.
Potting mixtures and compost are used in enormous quantities at this time of year as gardens get a spring makeover, and while these soil fertilisers are brilliant for plants, they are not always good for humans. In some cases, they have even led to death.
Health authorities frequently warn that inhaling contaminated potting mixtures could lead to contracting Legionnaires’ disease, tetanus and a range of lung infections, due to the rich range of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms contained in most soil mixtures.
An expert has told Yahoo News Australia about how the risks can be avoided and Bunnings has issued a warning about strictly adhering to the instructions which come with all potting mixtures in their stores.
It is also recommended that masks and gloves always be used when handling the mixtures. But way too often these warnings are ignored.
Just two years ago in NSW, there was an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease related to the use of potting mixture, with one woman dying and 96 other people reported as becoming seriously ill. In Queensland, there were 88 cases, two of which were fatal.
Brisbane man Paul Copeland told the ABC he contracted Legionella longbeachae while working with fresh mixture he was putting on garden beds around his home. He became very ill with what was initially diagnosed with pneumonia, resulting in two bouts in hospital.
"I'd never been that sick. My skin was sore, my hair was sore,” he said. “I just had no air, and my oxygen levels were quite low. "
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Why is potting mixture at risk of becoming contaminated?
The composition of materials in potting mixture usually includes manure, mushrooms, organic waste, sawdust, peat, grains and minerals.
That combination is very beneficial for plants in the garden, but the potentially lethal Legionella bacteria can multiply inside the bags of potting mix, compost and mulch. The heat created by these elements can make it even more potent.
According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the Australian Standard (AS3743-2003) guideline outlines what can go into bagged retail potting mix. The standard contains specifications for mixes in both regular and premium grades.
Even so, Professor David Eldridge of the University of NSW’s School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, told Yahoo News Australia that some uncertainties remain about exactly what is in the mixtures.
“We don't always know, because there are so many different sorts of mixes that have different amounts of organic matter," Eldridge said.
"I've even heard some potting mixes have industrial waste, and that could be where we've had problems with asbestos in that stuff that was spread around Sydney parks in the last six months,” he said, referring to the contaminated mulch health scare earlier this year.
Expert's message for gardeners and those with health issues
Eldridge warned that Aussies "need to remember it is not like dealing with compost in your garden, when you know what has gone into it and what you're dealing with".
“What's in these potting bags, can be totally unknown," he said.
“And the warnings are out there, but I think most of us get a little lazy and think – ‘it’s just soil, what really can it do?’ without realising there are a lot of noxious bugs in there."
Eldridge recommends anyone with health issues, like being immunocompromised or with long-Covid, should avoid the mixtures altogether.
“This is potentially a dangerous situation to be in and if you're immunosuppressed, I’d recommend you probably get someone else to open and use them for you. We really need to know how to handle them more effectively.”
Bunnings issues a healthy guide to potting mix concerns
Potting mixture packaging clearly outlines the risk and offers recommendations, which are too often ignored by users once they get the bags into their own gardens.
A Bunnings representative told Yahoo News it’s vital for users to follow the health advice and user instructions when handling the mixtures.
"When using potting mix and any other bagged products, it is highly recommended for gardeners to wear gloves and a mask and always wash their hands after using any of these products,” a Bunnings Garden Expert said.
"At Bunnings, we recommend that customers always read and follow the instructions carefully when using any gardening products.”
'Each bag can be different': Bunnings expert says
The Bunnings spokesperson added there was no room for complacency when considering the range of ingredients within the mixture. "Each bag will be different depending on the manufacturer and where it is made," the expert said.
"Basic potting mixes have not changed much in recent times, but the make-up may have changed depending on the availability of local ingredients.
"Our team members will always direct customers to read and follow the instructions on the packaging and to follow safety precautions.
"The same precautions for potting mix would also apply to other bagged products such as composts, mulch and garden soils.”
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