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Anthrax in old buildings
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#1 Posted : 25 August 2006 14:43:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mir-cat Some of our guys are likely to be working in a building where there is a presence of anthrax (as mentioned in the fire certificate). I have had a quick look at the symptoms etc but they all mention working with animal hides or eating infected meat. The most likely is breathing in the spores (working on walls and ceilings) - has anyone got some sound advice on protection measures from experience? Thanks
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#2 Posted : 25 August 2006 14:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker This is a long shot, but try English Hertitage, I seem to remember reading an article about this on their site.
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#3 Posted : 25 August 2006 15:00:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mir-cat Thanks Jim I will try them. It makes sense they should have something as it is usually old buildings that have the problem.
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#4 Posted : 25 August 2006 15:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bill Elliott Try the Health Protecton Agency - www.hpa.org.uk/infection...pics_az/anthrax/menu.htm
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#5 Posted : 25 August 2006 16:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By p winter hi Mir - I think the anthrax risk in old buildings comes from horse hair which was used when plastering in the same way scrim cloth is used today. There was an article in either SHP or Safety Management a few years ago about heritage buildings and I'm sure I read this there. Hope this of help
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#6 Posted : 25 August 2006 17:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Adrian Watson Dear All, I have dealt with this problem on a number of occassions. Whilst you can grow the odd spore from horse-hair plaster, there is no risk from being infected from as the lime in the plaster denatures the spores and removes the risk of infection, even if a spore can be activated. Furthermore the minimum infective dose for anthrax is very high so unless a person is dealing with animal products the risk of infection is low. Regards Adrian Watson.
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#7 Posted : 29 August 2006 12:31:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mir-cat Dear Adrian & all Thanks for your assistance with this. Adrian that is extremely useful as it will be minimal exposure (if any) that the guys will get. Also to follow up an earlier response, I contacted English Heritage and they are sending me a document; Anthrax and Historic Plaster - Managing minor risk in historic building refurbishment. If any one would like a copy then email me. Thanks again.
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#8 Posted : 29 August 2006 12:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ron Hunter There's a free version available at http://www.helm.org.uk/u...20refurbishment_1999.pdf
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