THL and the Finnish Food Authority warn of the legionella risk in soil products

Legionella risk in soil and compost products

Soil and compost products may contain legionella bacteria, and approximately one tenth of confirmed legionella infections in Finland originate from soil.

Legionella can cause severe pneumonia when it enters the lungs through breathing or through a skin wound. Other symptoms of Legionella include a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath. The elderly, smokers, people with lung diseases and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of getting sick. 

When handling soil and compost products, the following guidelines should be followed: 

• Store the soil bags away from light and in a cool place, as the internal temperature of a bag stored in the sun is ideal for the growth of legionella bacteria.
• Protect your skin wounds.
• Use protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Open the bag of soil so that the opening is facing away from your face.
• Avoid polluting soil and compost into the breathing air.
• To reduce dusting, moisten dry soil or compost with low water pressure, for example with a watering can.
• If you cannot reduce dust exposure, use a close-fitting FFP-2 and FFP-3 level respirator, as they provide protection against exposure.
• Wash soil or compost material from tools with low water pressure.

If you suspect you have been infected with legionella, contact your doctor.

For more information:

Environmental engineer Armi Kainulainen, armi.kainulainenimatra.fi (armi[dot]kainulainen[at]imatra[dot]fi)