In today’s world people are trying to save money, lead healthier lifestyles, eat healthier foods and be more active. Many people take pride in their gardens and use gardening to help with healthier lifestyles by growing their own healthy foods and enjoying the fresh smell of flowers.
Leading up to the summer months, many gardeners think about saving rainwater for their gardens thirstiest months. It is a little-known issue but neglect and misuse of our gardening equipment can represent health risks in the form of waterborne bacteria and diseases. Water butts, hose pipes, ponds and even compost can all harbor harmful levels of bacteria if not looked after correctly.
In this blog we look at what some of the issues are with gardening equipment and other devices used / found in the garden and what might be done to reduce risk of exposure to waterborne bacteria.
There is plethora of waterborne bacteria, one of these bacteria is ‘Legionella’. Exposure to Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ Disease. In recent times, there have been reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease linked with gardening activities, for example;
Between 2008 and 2013, 16 people in Scotland contracted Legionnaires’ Disease from compost. 2 of these cases were fatal.
2017, a 63 year old gardener from Norfolk contracted Legionnaires’ Disease and sadly died, they had been exposed to the legionella after using a hose pipe.
The Times - Gardeners using water butts risk spreading legionella germ.
The Guardian - Dr Dillner's health dilemmas: can you catch legionella when gardening?
The Telegraph - Hygiene warning to gardeners after study finds Legionella in compost.
Articles likes these demonstrate the potentially catastrophic consequences of failing to properly manage and understand the risk from Legionella bacteria. Making sure the public are aware of Legionella risk and the control measures available will go a long way to potentially reducing the risks they may be exposing themselves too whilst enjoying their gardens.
With all gardening related activities there are 2 types of Legionella bacteria that have been reported within the UK;
Legionella longbeachae – this is not common but can be found in potting mixes, compost heaps and composted animal manures. Respiratory disease can develop after inhaling dust from contaminated compost;
Who is most at risk from Legionella?
The Health and Safety Executive [HSE] have defined those with increased susceptibility of developing an illness caused by legionella bacteria as;
People over 45 years of age;
Smokers and heavy drinkers;
People suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease;
Diabetes, lung and heart disease;
Anyone with an impaired immune system.
The UK population is approx. 67 million, of which approx. 27 million people partake in gardening. What is the demographic of these gardeners…. many sources state that the typical gardener is middle class, white, female, aged 55+. The latter is most pertinent here when looking at susceptibility.
For the avid gardeners out there, there’s no need to be disheartened, increase awareness of your surroundings and the risks present and by considering some simple control measures your biggest problem will be waiting for the dry spells to entertain your green fingers.
ITEM | ISSUE | CONTROL MEASURE CONSIDERATIONS |
Compost |
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Read the health warnings printed in the side of bags of compost. Namely:
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Hose Pipes & Flower Bed Irrigation Systems |
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Water Butts |
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Outside Taps |
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Ponds |
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Water Features |
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Horticultural Misting Systems |
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Spa Pools / Hot Tubs |
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Gardeners should be aware of potential risks associated with gardening equipment / devices found / used in the garden.
Like any product, individuals should ‘always read the label’ for advice how to operate, maintain and minimise any Legionella risks created by them i.e. warning label on the side of bags of compost.
Landlords and Duty Holders should also undertake a Legionellosis Risk Assessment to help minimise the potential risk of Legionnaires’ Disease. By increasing awareness of these risks and sharing of information we can all help to reduce the amount of exposure to Legionella, and beat the micro beasties lurking in our gardens!
Editors Note: This post was originally published in June 2018 and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
© Water Hygiene Centre 2019
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