Histoplasmosis and Resources to Protect Workers and Building Occupants from Infection Risks

Histoplasmosis is the name for an infection caused by a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum. The New York State Department of Health describes histoplasmosis as an infection that affects the lungs and may occasionally invade other parts of the body.

The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil or other materials that contain large amounts of bird or bat droppings. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health) warns that histoplasmosis is associated with pigeon droppings. The agency provides safe cleaning tips for removing droppings that include wearing protective clothing - such as respirators and disposable coveralls, and minimizing dust creation.

Several years ago, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) brought renewed attention to work-related histoplasmosis and reported that people working in construction had a higher risk of getting the infection. Other occupations at elevated risk include those involved with demolition and renovation work, farmers, landscapers, and bridge workers to name a few. NIOSH states that approximately one third of the histoplasmosis outbreaks in the U.S. are work-related, and that outbreaks have also occurred in the workplace with workers not directly involved in the activities that caused the outbreak.

“Whether it is large amounts of pigeon droppings on a rooftop or guano from bats that have made their home in an attic or other enclosed space, workers that have to go into these areas should take precautions,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “To help prevent new cases of histoplasmosis and protect workers and building occupants, CTSI’s infection control and industrial hygiene professionals offer building and workplace assessments, testing, monitoring, consulting, and training services to identify and mitigate exposure risks to Histoplasma capsulatum and other microbial pathogens.”

CTSI recently sponsored an educational video about histoplasmosis and Histoplasma exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ay-uv9Bt1DE

To learn more about this or other infection control, industrial hygiene, air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com, or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail