sphagnum hazard
I was reading about sphagnum moss and there was a warning about using
gloves and a particle mask when working with it. Seems the stuff can cause a nasty infection. Well, last week I potted a couple plants using sphagnum, and of course, used no mask. I now have a nasty sinus infection like I've never had before. For a couple of days the only symptom was my whole nose was very sore, like I had been punched. In the last two days it's turned into a swollen, painful mess. Anyone have any similar experiences? I'd like to have an idea if it's a coincidence, or a result of the sphagnum contact. bb |
sphagnum hazard
I don't know. But I've got a nasty ear infection after repotting a few
plants in sphag. Maybe the dust flew inside my ear? It also kelt like somemone punched my ear, even my jaw was pain! Jon "bb" wrote in message ... I was reading about sphagnum moss and there was a warning about using gloves and a particle mask when working with it. Seems the stuff can cause a nasty infection. Well, last week I potted a couple plants using sphagnum, and of course, used no mask. I now have a nasty sinus infection like I've never had before. For a couple of days the only symptom was my whole nose was very sore, like I had been punched. In the last two days it's turned into a swollen, painful mess. Anyone have any similar experiences? I'd like to have an idea if it's a coincidence, or a result of the sphagnum contact. bb |
sphagnum hazard
I was reading about sphagnum moss and there was a warning about using
gloves and a particle mask when working with it. Seems the stuff can cause a nasty infection. This has been well known for some time. The best way to handle NZ Spagnum is to use gloves and soak the spagnum to control the dust. The reason for the gloves is to protect against the stuff coming into contact with a break in the skin and causing an infection. |
sphagnum hazard
I read some place that spagnum moss was once used to cover battle
wounds; however, just in the last century has it become subject to fungus. I also read somewhere that it caused trichosporosis (a node appearing on the skin) the same as a rose thorn in the finger. My vague recollection was that iodine treatments cured the problem. And, I believe a link to this information appeared on this forum a few years ago; so, if interested one would have to do a little research. .. . . Pam Everything Orchid Management System http://www.pe.net/~profpam/page3.html ---------------------------------------------------------- TRAINMAN9 wrote: I was reading about sphagnum moss and there was a warning about using gloves and a particle mask when working with it. Seems the stuff can cause a nasty infection. This has been well known for some time. The best way to handle NZ Spagnum is to use gloves and soak the spagnum to control the dust. The reason for the gloves is to protect against the stuff coming into contact with a break in the skin and causing an infection. |
sphagnum hazard
"profpam" wrote in message ... I read some place that spagnum moss was once used to cover battle wounds; however, just in the last century has it become subject to fungus. I also read somewhere that it caused trichosporosis (a node appearing on the skin) the same as a rose thorn in the finger. My vague recollection was that iodine treatments cured the problem. And, I believe a link to this information appeared on this forum a few years ago; so, if interested one would have to do a little research. . . . Pam Problems related to the use of sphagnum moss surfaced during the late 1980's. A study was subsequently posted entitled "Sporotrichosis- An Occupational Hazard for Nursery Workers, Tree Planters and Orchid Growers" in the June 1990 issue of The American Orchid Society Bulletin. The fungus responsible for the infection is Sporothrix schenckii. Skin lesions can include Cutaneous lymphatic sporotrichosis and Cutaneous nonlymphatic sporotrichosis. Extracutaneous sporotrichosis infections can be pulmonary, osteoarticular, ocular, central nervous system, and a multifocal form. Protective measures include the use of gloves and long-sleeved shirts, as well as breathing masks. Injury through a thorn or splinter can be treated with tincture of iodine. Under treatment, the article states that Cutaneous sporotrichosis does not respond to treatment with antibacterial antibiotics or with local applications of antifungal preparations. Orally administered potassium iodide (KI) given daily in milk, as a saturated solution of KI, is effective. Recognize that this article is 13 years old, and newer and more effective treatments may be available. I still think that standard protective gear and common sense will minimize the chance of contracting the pathogen. I knew there was a reason I saved all those back issues of the American Orchid Society Bulletin/Orchids g. Back to lurker status. Bill Landers |
sphagnum hazard
Back to lurker status.
Oops, you're out now! May as well stay! Diana |
sphagnum hazard
On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 16:06:33 -0500, "Bill Landers"
wrote: Recognize that this article is 13 years old, and newer and more effective treatments may be available. I still think that standard protective gear and common sense will minimize the chance of contracting the pathogen. Looks like your treatment info is still current. Here's what the CDC has to say: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disea...richosis_g.htm deg |
sphagnum hazard
thanks for the info, I didn't know this, I will now be more careful when
handing sphagnum moss!! it doesn't sound a nice bug to catch,I have never taken precautions & I am sure loads of others never have either. thanks keith "Dewitt" wrote in message ... On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 16:06:33 -0500, "Bill Landers" wrote: Recognize that this article is 13 years old, and newer and more effective treatments may be available. I still think that standard protective gear and common sense will minimize the chance of contracting the pathogen. Looks like your treatment info is still current. Here's what the CDC has to say: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/disea...richosis_g.htm deg |
sphagnum hazard
On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 22:41:37 -0000, "Kenty ;-\)"
wrote: thanks for the info, I didn't know this, I will now be more careful when handing sphagnum moss!! it doesn't sound a nice bug to catch,I have never taken precautions & I am sure loads of others never have either. thanks keith I never have taken any precautions either. It would be interesting to know if any of the commercial growers who pot in sphagnum, like Al, take precautions when using it. deg |
sphagnum hazard
bb wrote in message . ..
Anyone have any similar experiences? I'd like to have an idea if it's a coincidence, or a result of the sphagnum contact. bb Pure coincidence. The infection you're referring to -- sporotrichosis - is fungal and pretty rare unless you have a compromised immune system. I'm not a doctor and don't play one on TV, but I'm willing to hazard the guess that a fungal sinus or (typical) "ear infection" would be one for the record books.... |
sphagnum hazard
bb wrote in message . ..
I was reading about sphagnum moss and there was a warning about using gloves and a particle mask when working with it. Seems the stuff can cause a nasty infection. Well, last week I potted a couple plants using sphagnum, and of course, used no mask. I now have a nasty sinus infection like I've never had before. For a couple of days the only symptom was my whole nose was very sore, like I had been punched. In the last two days it's turned into a swollen, painful mess. Anyone have any similar experiences? I'd like to have an idea if it's a coincidence, or a result of the sphagnum contact. bb The risk of contracting Sporotrichosis from handling sphgnum is low. The risk of pulmonary sporotrichosis is even lower (the fungus is normally introduced via cuts and abrasions). Even for pulmonary sporotrichosis the symptoms are more indicative of a chest infection than sinus problems. I imagine your sinus problems are either unrelated or the usual sore nose you get when you inhale a bunch of dusty crud. Still gloves and a mask are a good idea when handling any dry potting material. |
sphagnum hazard
Dewitt wrote:
On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 22:41:37 -0000, "Kenty ;-\)" wrote: thanks for the info, I didn't know this, I will now be more careful when handing sphagnum moss!! it doesn't sound a nice bug to catch,I have never taken precautions & I am sure loads of others never have either. thanks keith I never have taken any precautions either. It would be interesting to know if any of the commercial growers who pot in sphagnum, like Al, take precautions when using it. deg But really, folks...have any of you read the Safety warnings on _any_ packet of gardening stuff? And actually followed it? All soils/ potting mixtures/ whatever employ micro-organisms....they're a part of life, and they're certainly necessary for soil to do its job. We're _always_ meant to wear goggles, gloves, and face masks when hadnling _anything_ in the garden, even if we're just doing general gardening stuff...but especially if handling soils/ mixes and so on. I think you're all getting a bit over-concerned about Sphag in particular. Sphag Moss, just like any other soil/ fertiliser/ mulch/ garden muck can be dangerous if we inhale it, either because of fine particles or because of organisms/ bacteria/ nasties in the product. What i'm saying is CALM DOWN!!! If you're worried about getting infections or anything from Sphag, then you should be worried about getting the same from any mixture used in gardening. So, of course, common safety sense is all that's needed. When in the garden, _always_ wear gloves, a shirt, a hat, sunscreen, a mouth-mask (just a simple filter one is fine) and goggles...all of these things can help you become more safe in much than just one way... -- 'You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve,' said Aslan. 'And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.' http://spiltink.alphalink.com.au http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/f...r_aod_bugs.txt - Now with 33 bugs! |
sphagnum hazard
On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 15:29:55 +1100, Dragoncarer
wrote: What i'm saying is CALM DOWN!!! If you're worried about getting infections or anything from Sphag, then you should be worried about getting the same from any mixture used in gardening. So, of course, common safety sense is all that's needed. When in the garden, _always_ wear gloves, a shirt, a hat, sunscreen, a mouth-mask (just a simple filter one is fine) and goggles...all of these things can help you become more safe in much than just one way... Just add a full body condom and I'm there. . . Seriously, I don't wear gloves or any other protective gear when I pot with sphagnum and I'm not particularly concerned about it. I am, however, curious to know if others do practice "safe potting". deg |
sphagnum hazard
Dewitt wrote:
On Sun, 09 Nov 2003 15:29:55 +1100, Dragoncarer wrote: What i'm saying is CALM DOWN!!! If you're worried about getting infections or anything from Sphag, then you should be worried about getting the same from any mixture used in gardening. So, of course, common safety sense is all that's needed. When in the garden, _always_ wear gloves, a shirt, a hat, sunscreen, a mouth-mask (just a simple filter one is fine) and goggles...all of these things can help you become more safe in much than just one way... Just add a full body condom and I'm there. . . Seriously, I don't wear gloves or any other protective gear when I pot with sphagnum and I'm not particularly concerned about it. I am, however, curious to know if others do practice "safe potting". deg LOL....very quaint... I agree. I rarely use protective equipment when gardening, except for gloves. I also use gloves. Always...althgough I don't use them for Sphag, but mostly because I rarely handle it, it cleans off your hands easily, and requires deft fingers to manouvre it around... I've never had a problem, but I thought I should just say all of the above before people start getting soooooo worried. It's like everything in this society nowadays. Everyone's so afraid of germs, and often someone'll say something bad about one little thing, and it'll get blown out of proportion. I could see that happenning with the big Sphagnum Moss Controversy of 2003. -- 'You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve,' said Aslan. 'And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.' http://spiltink.alphalink.com.au http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/f...r_aod_bugs.txt - Now with 33 bugs! |
sphagnum hazard
you would look right walking around the garden like that !! ;-) just to dead
head-get real. kenty "Dragoncarer" wrote in message ... Dewitt wrote: On Sat, 8 Nov 2003 22:41:37 -0000, "Kenty ;-\)" wrote: thanks for the info, I didn't know this, I will now be more careful when handing sphagnum moss!! it doesn't sound a nice bug to catch,I have never taken precautions & I am sure loads of others never have either. thanks keith I never have taken any precautions either. It would be interesting to know if any of the commercial growers who pot in sphagnum, like Al, take precautions when using it. deg But really, folks...have any of you read the Safety warnings on _any_ packet of gardening stuff? And actually followed it? All soils/ potting mixtures/ whatever employ micro-organisms....they're a part of life, and they're certainly necessary for soil to do its job. We're _always_ meant to wear goggles, gloves, and face masks when hadnling _anything_ in the garden, even if we're just doing general gardening stuff...but especially if handling soils/ mixes and so on. I think you're all getting a bit over-concerned about Sphag in particular. Sphag Moss, just like any other soil/ fertiliser/ mulch/ garden muck can be dangerous if we inhale it, either because of fine particles or because of organisms/ bacteria/ nasties in the product. What i'm saying is CALM DOWN!!! If you're worried about getting infections or anything from Sphag, then you should be worried about getting the same from any mixture used in gardening. So, of course, common safety sense is all that's needed. When in the garden, _always_ wear gloves, a shirt, a hat, sunscreen, a mouth-mask (just a simple filter one is fine) and goggles...all of these things can help you become more safe in much than just one way... -- 'You come of the Lord Adam and the Lady Eve,' said Aslan. 'And that is both honour enough to erect the head of the poorest beggar, and shame enough to bow the shoulders of the greatest emperor on earth. Be content.' http://spiltink.alphalink.com.au http://db.gamefaqs.com/console/ps2/f...r_aod_bugs.txt - Now with 33 bugs! |
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