Connect
← Return to I wish I felt a little better. Discouraged.
Discussion
I wish I felt a little better. Discouraged.
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 18, 2020 | Replies (26)Comment receiving replies
Hi Kay,
Good question! I make my own compost too. Dr. Joe Falkinham says commercial potting soil is rich in peat and contains high numbers of NTM-1 million per gram. He suggests that we use an N95 mask to avoid dust inhalation. Of course, he made that recommendation prior to COVID 19 and he doesn't address compost. I've tried wearing an N95 mask while weeding and it was tough. I do wear a surgical mask now and try to limit my gardening to early morning when it's not so hot. I guess not matter what, we need to be cautious.
Replies to "Hi Kay, Good question! I make my own compost too. Dr. Joe Falkinham says commercial potting..."
Connect
@n4seth & @kayskid - Here is what my ID doc (a gardener himself) had to say about MAC, soil, compost, etc.
"MAC is ubiquitous. So are many other nasty microrganisms. They are everywhere. The idea is to minimize your exposure & not be paralyzed by fear. Be sensible - wet things down to keep from inhaling dust particles, avoid being in the garden on windy, dusty days, or wear a mask & gloves."
So, that is the policy we follow, we also wear N-95 masks when mowing - the one not mowing stays in the house or a far part of the yard. We shower or at least wash our faces, arms & hands when we get in the house. We toss the garden clothes & gloves in the laundry. It has worked well for us so far.
When we are in dusty, windy South Texas (where I think I got MAC from the feral chickens that nest under our trees) we pay someone to do our yard work, stay away while he does, then he washes down the patio & waters the yard before we go out.
Sue