Compost link to Legionnaire's cases

Health experts have called for better warning labels on packs of potting compost following three cases of Legionnaire's disease in Scotland.

The cases of Legionella longbeachae disease were said to have occurred between 2008 and 2009.

It is thought the victims inhaled the disease through droplets of water in the compost.



They are the first cases of Legionnaire's disease linked to gardening in the UK. However, the disease has previously been linked to gardening or potting mixes in Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United States.

Legionnaire's disease is usually associated with contaminated water and air conditioning systems.

Environmental health experts have said the cases underline the need for warning labels on potting soil, and that doctors should be alert for Legionnaire's symptoms among gardeners.