Love gardening? Protect yourself against Legionnaires

Legionella bacteria can be found in potting mix, compost, and soil, as well as some water systems.

Legionellosis, also known as Legionnaires’ disease, is caused by breathing in contaminated dust or water and can cause a lung infection.


Symptoms of Legionellosis disease include fever, chills, cough, breathlessness, muscle aches, headache, and tiredness. It can be severe and may require hospitalisation, so it’s important to take a few easy steps to protect yourself when gardening, such as:
 


• wear gloves and a P1/P2/N95 mask while handling garden materials


• wash your hands with soap and water after working in the garden


• open bagged potting mix away from your face in a well-ventilated area


• dampen dry compost or potting mix with water