Safe composting tips for people with food allergies

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology has said that composting food is safe for people with allergies, as long as they adhere to some guidelines. The basic advice for people with allergies attending to garden composts is to prevent allergens getting inside their bodies through inhalation or open wounds by wearing a pollen mask or goggles to cover eyes, cover wounds or scratches, with gloves and long sleeved shirts and trousers.

As they degrade, materials on a compost heap heat up, which means that the allergic properties of some foods may change. Therefore after handling composted material, wear gloves and/or wash hands thoroughly to remove any allergenic particles.

Source: American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

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First published in July 2012

 

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