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RE: [compost_tea] vermicastings versus vermicompost



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@gardener.com]
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2003 5:14 PM
To: compost_tea@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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