🌱 Safe Handling of Plants, Compost, and Soil for People with CPA

If you work with flowers, compost, mulch, or soil—as many people with CPA (chronic pulmonary aspergillosis) do—you’re regularly exposed to Aspergillus spores. Some of these may be resistant to antifungal medications, making workplace precautions even more important.

🧫 Why It’s a Concern

• Widespread Azole Fungicide Use: Agricultural fungicides share chemical similarities with medical antifungal drugs (like itraconazole and voriconazole), leading to resistant strains of Aspergillus fumigatus in the environment.

• Environmental Reservoirs: Garden centres, compost heaps, potting sheds, and greenhouses can all harbor resistant spores.

• Clinical Risk: If resistant spores are inhaled and cause infection, treatment becomes more difficult, requiring second-line drugs that may be less effective or more toxic.

✅ How You Can Protect Yourself While Staying on the Job

You don’t have to give up the work you love. With smart precautions and awareness, you can continue safely:

🛡️ Protect Yourself from Airborne Spores

• Wear a certified FFP2, FFP3, or N95 mask (not a surgical or cloth mask).

• Avoid opening compost bags or disturbing dry materials indoors.

• Prioritise outdoor tasks or ensure good ventilation in work areas.

🧤 Glove Up and Gear Down

• Use gloves when handling compost, soil, or mulch.

• Change clothes after work and shower to remove spores from your skin and hair.

• Keep work footwear separate from household shoes.

🧼 Wash Hands Frequently

• Always wash your hands:

  • After handling compost, soil, or cut plants

  • After removing gloves or masks

  • Before eating or drinking

• Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use hand sanitiser (minimum 60% alcohol).

🧼 Why Hand Hygiene Really Matters with CPA

Even though Aspergillus is primarily inhaled, clean hands help reduce accidental transfer of spores to your face, nose, and mouth. Here’s why hand hygiene is especially important for people with CPA:

• Reduces risk of transferring spores from contaminated surfaces or tools to your face.

• Prevents secondary infections from viruses or bacteria, which are harder to fight with weakened lungs.

• Supports immune safety if you’re taking antifungals, steroids, or immunosuppressants.

🔬 Stay on Top of Health Monitoring

• Tell your respiratory team about your occupational exposure.

• If your symptoms change or your antifungal treatment stops working, request resistance testing (not always automatic).

• Keep up with routine blood tests, scans, and sputum cultures.

🌍 The Bigger Picture

Antifungal resistance in the environment is rising across the UK and Europe. Garden centres and plant-heavy environments are now recognised as higher-risk zones for people with CPA. But with protective equipment, hygiene routines, and regular monitoring, it’s entirely possible to keep working safely—especially when your job brings purpose and joy.