The warning comes after the NHS Lothian revealed it was investigating four cases of the infection which has left two patients in intensive care in the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. A further two have already been discharged from hospital- the patients are between the ages of 62 and 84 years old.
NHS Lothian said the bacteria can be found in potting mixes, compost heaps and composted animal manures, but the exact way the Legionella longbeachae infection is passed from compost to people, is uncertain. It added the bacteria is assumed to be spread through breathing in very small dust particles or very small drops of contaminated water or from hand to mouth.
A meeting is set to take place tomorrow (September 18) between NHS Lothian, Health Protection Scotland and local authority environmental departments to discuss the issue.
Guidance
The ORG has recommended that composted materials are made according to PAS 100 specification – as the phase of high temperature treatment within the process should be enough to kill the Legionella bacteria.
However, the Group said it is difficult to assess the likelihood of the bacterias presence in materials supplied for composting.
In guidance entitled Guidance on Legionella longbeachae, ORG states: ORG recommends that composted materials are made according to the requirements of PAS 100. The phase of high temperature composting should be sustained for sufficient time to kill Legionella bacteria, throughout each batch of compost production.
In line with product safety regulations, PAS 100 requires that labelling of composted materials include a warning about the risks associated with handling the material. For example; Every effort has been made to ensure this compost contains no germs, sharp fragments, toxins or regenerative plant parts. However, the compost producer cannot guarantee they will never be present. As with all products of this type, wear gloves when handling and wash hands after use. During handling avoid inhaling any dust or water vapour or droplets from it, or ingesting any of it.
ORG adds: Exposure of all material in each composting batch should be achieved by a means suited to the composting process. For example, in turned windrow systems surface zone material should be placed into the core zone of each batch within an enclosed space, designed to ensure that all of the batch achieves the target temperature for the minimum necessary time before it is removed from that space.
Low risk
The four cases in Lothian have affected people Symptoms of Legionella longbeachae include headaches, diarrhoea or a dry cough followed by pneumonia. Most people recover after treatment with antibiotics however those with underlying medical problems are more vulnerable.
Dr Richard Othieno, consultant in public health and chair of the Incident Management Team, NHS Lothian said: This type of Legionella is quite rare in that unlike other strains it has never been identified in man-made water systems, like cooling towers.
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We are working with experts to trace the source of the infections and samples of the compost have been sent for testing. We know that each of the four cases are keen gardeners and had purchased different products containing compost prior to acquiring the infection.”
He added that risk to the wider public is low.
The ORG, formerly the Association for Organics Recycling, joined the Renewable Energy Association following a merger at the start of 2013 (see letsrecycle.com story).
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