SECTION 3:
Mushroom Farms & Human Health Implications
Also: Toxic Gases, Respiratory Problems, & Psychosomatic Disorders Via Stress
THE GASES EMITTED THROUGH MUSHROOM FARMING
PERSONAL STUDY
This pdf file (mushroom.htm, 736 KB) provides a brief study of the effects (both toxicological and psychosomatic) of air pollution in terms of mushroom farming. Gases emitted by mushroom farms can be quite toxic. It is a public health issue, both in terms of toxic gases, and in terms of the stress placed on those who cannot escape the odour 24/7.
The document is called:
AIR POLLUTION PROBLEM AT McGRATHS HILL – A SHORT PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
By Murray Thompson, BAppSc (Environmental Health), Hons I (Social Ecology), University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury
EXERPT:
DISCUSSION
COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE AIR POLLUTION ISSUE AT McGRATHS HILL FALL INTO 2 BROAD CATEGORIES:
1. AIR POLLUTION AFFECTING THE BREATHING, EYESIGHT AND SKIN OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
2. AIR POLLUTION INTERRUPTING THE NORMAL SLEEP PATTERNS OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, DIMINISHING THE ENJOYMENT OF OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES, AND NEGATIVELY IMPACTING ON CHILDREN STUDYING AT WINDSOR HIGH SCHOOL.
1. AIR POLLUTION IMPACTS: TOXICOLOGICAL OUTCOMES.
The composting of mushrooms releases large quantities of moisture and the gas ammonia. It is this gas that is associated with the unpleasant odor (Ministry of Agriculture and Food 1998:html document).
There is ample published material available that clearly describes the toxic potential of organic dusts, ammonia and methane in regard to human health. As well, there is also much research regarding the dangers of some gases on test animals, however this data is so disturbing that it should be considered cause for concern in relation to potential impacts on humans, especially the unborn and children. See Table 1 below for details. I have included some of the original sources of information for the occasional Internet reference used below in the Table in order to describe more clearly the broad studies that have been accessed for this study.
Table 1 Shows substances and the effects produced through exposure
SUBSTANCE
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DETAILS & EFFECTS
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Gases Ammonia compounds (produced during the decomposition of organic materials) |
Irritant to eyes, nose, throat and skin (Rowland & Cooper 1983:169-177). Ammonia is an eye irritant at levels greater than 20 to 25 ppm. Exposure to levels around 1,500 ppm will induce coughing and frothing at the mouth and levels of 5,000 ppm are deadly. Ammonia’s distinct odor can be detected by humans in concentrations as small as 5 ppm. 25 ppm is recommended frequently as a maximum acceptable level for ammonia concentrations. Burning eyes indicate that ammonia levels are at least 20 ppm (Lorimor, J., Schwab, C.V. & Miller, L. 1993:1-2). Field experience with workers exposed to blueprinting and copying machine ammonia sources indicates a maximum acceptable concentration of 20-25 ppm without severe complaints (Toxicology Data Network 2001:html document)[ii].
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SUBSTANCE
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DETAILS & EFFECTS
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Gases Ammonia compounds (produced during the decomposition of organic materials) cont |
More specifically, high concentrations of ammonia vapors cause conjunctivitis, laryngitis, pulmonary edema or pneumonitis, plus the sensation of suffocation. High vapor concentrations may lead to temporary blindness and even severe eye damage. Also, diffuse corneal damage and cataract formation has been noted in instances where 2 victims’ eyes were sprayed with ammonia[1]. Extensive systemic absorption of ammonia may induce hypertonus, convulsions and coma. Encephalopathy (which can result in neuropathological damage [Alzeimer Type II Astrocyosis]) is associated with hyperammonemia (see below for definition in blue font) which is measured by elevated serum ammonia levels (ibid). Although this example of serum ammonia is related to hyperalimentation or overfeeding, I believe that all the other data below leaves open the distinct possibility that hyperammonemia, along with many other disease symptoms and aggravated conditions, could arise from the continuous inhalation of high concentrations of ammonia vapors. In support of this, occupational medical recommendations include that, for any employee exposed to potentially hazardous levels of ammonia, a complete physical examination and medical history be undertaken in order to determine if there are any existing conditions making the employee more susceptible to damage. As well, it has been stated that inhalation of ammonia leading to increased circulating ammonia puts an individual with compromised liver function at risk of hepatic coma[2]. In other words, a typical route of entry for ammonia is via inhalation (as well as ingestion, skin and eye contact). Therefore those individuals with existing conditions, such as corneal disease, glaucoma or chronic respiratory diseases may be at increased risk (ibid)[3].
Further, ammonia toxicity has been linked directly to residual chronic bronchitis, tracheitis, bronchopneumonia, pulmonary edema, kidney congestions and early hemorrhagic nephritis (ibid). |
Apart from the toxicological impacts of the gases and dusts produced by the compost materials, any form of minimized, shallow or labored breathing will decrease the oxygenation of the blood, leading to lower energy levels and even an increased predisposition toward the development of cancer. This is because cancer favors a deoxygenated physiological state, while increased fatigue leads to a compromised immune function, which again favors cancer.
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CHEMICAL THREAT TO CHILDREN For a short and to-the-point article (Chemical Threat to Children) listing the toxicological reasons why synthetic chemicals (especially pesticides and weedicides) are extremely dangerous to children's health, see: http://poisoningandlegalaction.com.au.
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NOTE: PAN Pesticides Database - Pesticide Poisoning Diagnostic Tool (please see: http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Search_Poisoning.jsp)
NOTE: Alternatives to chemical pest control: click HERE!
(http://www.pesticideinfo.org/Alternatives.html)
© Copyright 2005 Murray Thompson poisonedpeople@gmail.com
Postal Address:
PO Box 5761
South Windsor LPO
NSW 2756
Australia