What is Anthrax
Anthrax is primarily a disease of herbivores (plant eating animals). Humans contract it as a result of contact with infected animals or animal products, or from materials infected with Bacillus anthracis spores (the causing organism).
In humans, the disease takes one of three forms, depending on the route of infection. Cutaneous anthrax, which accounts for more than 95% of cases world-wide, results from infection through breaks in the skin; intestinal anthrax results from ingestion of spores, usually in infected meat; and pulmonary anthrax results from inhalation of spores.
Cutaneous Anthrax Explained
Cutaneous anthrax usually occurs through contamination of a cut or abrasion, although in some countries biting flies may also transmit the disease. The first sign of an athrax infection is a small painless inflamed swelling like a pimple or boil.
Intestinal Anthrax Explained
Intestinal anthrax is similar to cutaneous anthrax but occurs on the surface lining of the intestines where the cells absorb nutrients. As in cutaneous anthrax, the organisms probably invade the lining through a pre-existing cut. Generally disease develops when the organisms spread from the lining lesion to the lymphatic system. This form of the disease is extremely rare Britain.
Pulmonary Anthrax Explained
In pulmonary anthrax, inhaled spores multiply to cause disease that affects the entire body instead of a specific organ. This is an occupational disease encountered in industries in which the workers are exposed to high levels of spores in dust, particularly in the leather and woollen industries.
Gastrointestinal and pulmonary anthrax, although exceedingly rare, are both more dangerous than the cutaneous form because they are usually identified too late for treatment to be effective.
Anthrax in construction and demolition
Animal hair has been used as an ingredient in internal plasters for centuries. The best hair was obtained fresh from the tanners yard. Controls for the prevention of anthrax have existed since 1919; however, there is no guarantee that hair in plaster used before 1900 was not contaminated in the construction industry.
In reality, the risk of developing an anthrax relating infection is low so long as suitable and sufficient risk assessments and management plans are adhered to. A risk assessment is required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH regulations) and should include but not be limited to:
• Cover cuts and abrasions
• Keep hands clean
• Wear suitable personal protective equipment (e.g. disposable gloves, overalls and dust masks)
• Prohibit smoking and consumption of food and drink
• Ensure plaster is handled and disposed of in accordance with local and statutory controls and dust generation is minimised
• Personnel informed of the risk and the risk management system.
Riverside can recommend a range of procedures designed to effectively reduce the risk of anthrax related infections. For free advice, guidance and to arrange testing of plaster please contact us on 0870 950 0161 or email info@riversideenvironmental.co.uk.
