06-18-2008, 10:38 PM
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Join The Royal Family
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 25,463
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StuartD
http://www.batcontrolspecialists.com/health_risks.htm
Histoplasmosis
A certain percentage of bat populations are infected with a virus called capsulatum histoplasme and can consequently excrete the organism in their droppings. As a result of this, accumulations of bat guano, especially in interior spaces, may pose significant health risks to individuals exposed to airborne particles. Anyone exposed to material contaminated with H. capsulatum (such bat droppings or material contaminated by bat droppings) which becomes airborne can develop histoplasmosis. Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by inhaling the spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus. The symptoms of histoplasmosis vary in severity from flu-like symptoms, to chronic lung disease, to blindness and even death in rare cases ("Histoplasmosis, Protecting Workers at Risk", DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-146, September 1997). Infants, young children, and older persons, in particular those with chronic lung disease, are at increased risk for developing symptomatic Histoplasmosis.
As a result of such concerns, the American "National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health" (NIOSH) recommends that: "when a colony of bats or a flock of birds is discovered roosting in a building, immediate action should be taken to exclude the intruders by sealing all entry points" in order to prevent the on-going accumulations of guano. In addition it is recommended that the existing accumulations should be removed, especially in areas where there may be exposure to humans. The removal of all material that might be contaminated by H. capsulatum from a building and immediate waste disposal will eliminate any further risk that someone might be exposed to aerosolised spores.
Based on these considerations, it is recommended that accumulations of bat guano in buildings be removed following full health and safety procedures described in our Services page.
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Damn never knew bat turd was that dangerous |
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