Legionella in Potting Soil Mix Linked to Australian Mother's Death.

An Australian mother taking medication for arthritis died from Legionella likely the  Legionella longbeachae strain on January 14, 2014.  Her exposure to the Legionella bacteria was linked to potting soil mix.  She refused early medical treatment thinking the symptoms she had were linked to side effects from her arthritis medication.  The Legionella diagnosis came to late and she died when her lungs ceased to function.  Her father granted an interview with Angella Cutterback from WANews.

This case is prompting a discussion regarding proper warning labels with potting soil mix. People are suggesting that the labels have explicit directions to wear a respirator while working with the potting soil.  Some potting soils do have warnings "avoid inhaling the mix."  The deaths are not infrequent as a cluster of deaths was reported in 2005 noted in the caption below the photo.

 Death from potting soil mix - Carol Nadar AuNews 2005 - Photo Estelle Grunberg

Using a respirator would be especially important for elderly individuals or those with suppressed immune systems.  The immune system can be suppressed through illness, age or medication.  Many anti-arthritic medications suppress the immune system to reduce the inflammatory response of the body.

The most comfortable disposable respirator has an exhalation valve and two straps.  The exhalation valve reduces moisture buildup inside the mask making it more comfortable to wear.  The respirators make it harder to breath so some individuals may not have the cardiovascular fitness to wear one.

3M - N-95 respirator with exhalation valve.

 

Legionnaires' disease - 14 minutes