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----- 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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