UK Compost Industry report on dangers of composting. Dangers if <500 meters distance from composting, MVOCs harmless

October 16, 2008

This is a link to a 2003-era paper on composting facilities and mold

exposure.

Its very conservative, for example, they claim MVOCs are harmless.

" Occupational and environmental exposure to bioaerosols from composts and

potential health effects - A critical review of published

" .

also see

Quote:

" Most reported studies have found that people living more than 250 m from

composting sites are exposed to microbial emissions that are similar to

'background', i.e., are not significantly higher than can occur naturally.

However, there are some recordings of high levels. In one study, increased

concentrations were detected 500m away from a composting site, with

concentrations of thermophilic actinomycetes reaching 106 cfu/m3 200m away

(Neef et al 1999). The predominance of Aspergillus fumigatus in bioaerosol

emissions from compost may pose an increased risk of infection to

immunocompromised persons, and individual case studies have been reported of

allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and invasive aspergillosis

associated with the handling of biological waste and composted wood chips

respectively (Allmers et al, 2000; Conrad et al, 1992) while allergic

diseases such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis have been diagnosed in

individual cases associated with compost handling both occupationally

(Vinken and Roels, 1984; Weber et al, 1993) and recreationally (Brown et al,

1995). Consequently, persons known to have impaired immunity may be at

increased risk of infection if exposed to A fumigatus in compost

bioaerosols.

However, to place this in context, a similar risk would occur with exposure

to other organic dusts containing Aspergillus fumigatus, such as from other

agricultural activities (grain harvesting and handling, also demolition of

buildings). "

****BUT NOT ON A REGULAR BASIS****

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