Respiratory risks in the garden: what landscapers and gardeners need to know

Most Australians wouldn't think twice about opening a bag of potting mix. But recent reporting on diseases linked to gardening products, particularly Stewart's story, highlights just how serious those risks can be. It led to a severe case of nocardiosis that left him in an induced coma for days and facing a gruelling recovery. His experience has brought renewed attention to the respiratory risks associated with gardening and landscaping.

While the case involved a home gardener, it raises an important question for people who work in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, and even local government: what health risks can develop after years of working with soil, potting mix, compost, dust, and organic materials?

Many people associate occupational lung diseases with industries such as mining, construction, or stone benchtop manufacturing. However, gardeners and landscapers can also be exposed to bacteria, fungi, dusts, and other airborne hazards capable of causing serious illness.

Can organic materials make you sick?

Workers in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, parks maintenance, and related industries can be exposed to a range of hazards when handling soil, potting mix, compost, mulch, and other organic materials.

These materials can contain bacteria, fungi, organic dusts, and contaminants that become airborne when disturbed. When inhaled over time, or in some cases after a single significant exposure, they can contribute to serious respiratory illness and occupational disease.

Respiratory diseases linked to potting mix, soil, and organic dust

Nocardiosis

Nocardiosis is a rare infection caused by Nocardia bacteria, which can be found in soil, decaying vegetation, and organic matter. Infection can occur when contaminated dust or particles are inhaled, particularly by people who work closely with soil and gardening materials. Symptoms may include:

• cough
• chest pain
• fever
• fatigue
• shortness of breath

While nocardiosis is rare, it can cause serious lung infections and may spread to other parts of the body in severe cases. The risk is generally higher for people with weakened immune systems, but infections can also occur in otherwise healthy individuals.

Legionnaires' disease

Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. In Australia, Legionella longbeachae is commonly associated with potting mix and compost products. Symptoms may include:

• fever and chills
• cough
• shortness of breath
• muscle aches
• headaches
• fatigue

While Legionnaires' disease is often discussed in the context of gardening products, workers who regularly handle potting mix, compost, and soil may face an increased risk of exposure because of the frequency of their contact with these materials.

In serious cases, Legionnaires' disease can result in hospitalisation, respiratory failure, and long-term health complications.

Farmer's lung and hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Repeated exposure to organic dusts contaminated with mould, fungal spores, and bacteria can trigger an inflammatory lung condition known as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sometimes referred to as farmer's lung. Symptoms can include:

• coughing
• breathlessness
• chest tightness
• fatigue

If exposure continues, permanent lung damage and pulmonary fibrosis may occur.

Aspergillosis

Aspergillosis is caused by inhaling spores from Aspergillus, a fungus found in soil, compost, and decaying vegetation.

While healthy people are often unaffected, workers with pre-existing respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems can experience serious lung infections and ongoing respiratory problems.

Occupational asthma

Occupational asthma is one of the most common work-related respiratory conditions. Regular exposure to soil dust, compost particles, fertilisers, pesticides, and other airborne irritants can contribute to the development of asthma or aggravate existing symptoms.

For some workers, the impact can be permanent and affect their ability to continue working in their chosen field.

Other workplace health risks for landscapers and gardeners

Landscaping and gardening work can involve exposure to a range of potentially harmful substances beyond potting mix and soil.

Silica dust and silicosis

Landscapers often cut or grind pavers, bricks, concrete, and stone when constructing retaining walls, pathways, and outdoor spaces.

Without appropriate dust control measures, workers may inhale crystalline silica dust, which can cause silicosis, an incurable and progressive lung disease.

Chemical exposure and chronic respiratory illness

Long-term exposure to pesticides, herbicides, diesel exhaust, fertilisers, and wood dust can contribute to respiratory illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Bacterial and parasitic infections

Soil contaminated with animal waste can expose workers to infections such as leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, particularly where cuts, abrasions, or poor hygiene practices are involved.

Can you claim compensation for an occupational lung disease or workplace illness?

Many workers are surprised to learn that an illness caused by workplace exposure may be considered a workplace injury.

If you've been diagnosed with a respiratory disease, occupational lung disease, or other illness linked to workplace exposure, you may have access to compensation and support. This can include workers in landscaping, horticulture, agriculture, local government, parks maintenance, and other industries where exposure to dust, soil, organic materials, or hazardous substances occurs.

Depending on your circumstances, this may include:

• workers' compensation benefits
• payment of medical and treatment expenses
• income support while unable to work
• lump-sum impairment compensation
• common law damages where negligence contributed to your illness

Every situation is different, and eligibility will depend on the nature of your diagnosis, employment history, and the circumstances of your exposure.

How Maurice Blackburn can help

Developing an occupational disease can be physically, emotionally, and financially overwhelming.

Our occupational diseases team has extensive experience helping Australians affected by workplace illnesses understand their rights and access the support available to them.

If you've been diagnosed with an occupational lung disease, respiratory condition, silicosis, or another illness linked to workplace exposure, we can help you understand your options and whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Call 1800 111 222 for confidential advice, or to see whether you may have a claim.