Gardening can expose you to legionella bacteria – protect yourself properly

In recent years, legionella infections related to soil and compost handling have increased in Finland. The Environmental Health Department of South Häme reminds that the risk can be reduced by using the right protection and handling methods in both gardening and water systems. The legionella bacteria, which naturally occurs in soil and water, can even cause serious pneumonia.
Legionella bacteria found in soil and compost products can cause respiratory infections as well as skin, bloodstream and intestinal infections.

"You can get infected, for example, from dusty soil or while caring for a composter. Protect yourself when working in the garden with gloves and, if necessary, a respirator, and store soil bags out of the sun," says environmental health inspector Johanna Laine.

The greatest risk of becoming ill is among the elderly, smokers, people with lung diseases and people whose immune system is otherwise weakened. Although most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill, it is worth minimizing the risk of legionella when handling soil and compost products.

Infection is usually acquired through the water system

Legionella infection is most commonly acquired from a water system where the Legionella bacteria have been able to multiply. You can become infected, for example, by inhaling aerosols containing bacteria in the shower. The growth of Legionella bacteria is most affected by the temperature of the water and the regular use of taps. Make sure that domestic water at home remains sufficiently cold (below 20 °C) and hot water is sufficiently hot (recommended at least 55 °C) and use all water points regularly. Hot water refers to the hot water circulating in the hot water systems of homes. Do not lower the temperature of the hot water heater too low, for example to save energy. If you have not been to your holiday home or cottage for a while, for example, run plenty of cold and as hot as possible water from all taps before using them.

Environmental health care will participate in identifying the source of infection if necessary.

If you suspect you have been infected with legionella, contact your healthcare provider. If necessary, legionella cases are also reported to environmental health care through healthcare, which can help identify the source of infection, for example by taking samples. Identifying sources of infection is important to prevent new cases.

"We are currently in a transition period for the legislation, during which we are conducting a systematic risk assessment of water systems in controlled locations where users are at higher risk of serious legionella infection. Such locations include, for example, nursing homes for the elderly and swimming pools."

Environmental health care carries out preventive work related to legionella through systematic health inspections. South Häme Environmental Health has taken individual samples related to legionella in recent years.

The task of the South Häme Environmental Health Service is to ensure a healthy living environment and safe food for residents. The South Häme Environmental Health Service operates in the areas of Forssa, Hausjärvi, Humppila, Janakkala, Jokioinen, Loppi, Riihimäki, Tammela and Ypäjä.
The city of Riihimäki is the responsible municipality for environmental health care in South Häme.

How to protect yourself from legionella bacteria

• Avoid polluting soil and compost into the breathing air.
• If necessary, gently moisten the soil and compost with low water pressure.
• Protects wounds and broken skin on hands.
• Use protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
•  Store the soil bags out of the sun.
• Open the bag of soil so that the opening is facing away from your face.
• If you cannot avoid dust exposure, use an FFP-2 or FFP-3 level respirator.
• Wash tools after use with low water pressure.

More information

South Häme Environmental Health Health Protection website (riihimaki.fi)