Two US men have died after inhaling bat guano used to grow marijuana, highlighting concerns over the safety of natural bat guano and commercially available fertilizers. A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases revealed two fatal cases of histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, linked to bat guano exposure among marijuana growers.
Histoplasmosis primarily affects 1-2 per 100,000 annually, with a 5-7% death rate among hospitalized cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that many mild cases go undiagnosed.
The two cases in question occurred in Rochester, New York, both linked to either commercially purchased or wild-harvested bat guano used as fertilizer. This practice is notable given the use of bat guano as a nutrient-dense “biofertilizer” for marijuana.
One case involved a 59-year-old man with weakened immunity and respiratory issues, who developed severe lung damage after inhaling contaminated bat guano. The other case involved a 64-year-old man with peripheral arterial disease, who died from complications related to disseminated histoplasmosis after being exposed to bat guano in his attic.
The study emphasizes the need for testing bat guano in fertilizers and raising awareness about protective measures, such as wearing masks. Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk, and healthcare providers should be vigilant when diagnosing histoplasmosis, particularly among marijuana growers. The authors urge regulatory testing of biofertilizers to reduce risks, especially for those with weakened immune systems.
Bat guano is a natural fertilizer high in nitrogen, beneficial for plant growth, including marijuana. However, the study highlights public awareness and protective measures as key to minimizing risks associated with its use.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariosabaghi/2024/12/17/how-bat-guano-turned-deadly-for-two-men-growing-marijuana