HSE states that inhaling dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird droppings can lead to diseases including psittacosis, which can lead to pneumonia.
Source: UK HSE: Biological hazards from bird droppings on construction sites ↗Dust entry
Bird-dropping dust
Airborne dust or droplets contaminated with bird droppings, especially during refurbishment or demolition work.
Airborne form
mist
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
psittacosispneumonia riskinfectious respiratory diseasehypersensitivity pneumonitisinterstitial lung disease concern
Evidence
NIOSH identifies bird droppings and other avian proteins among organic dust exposures that can cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and notes that prolonged exposure may cause irreversible lung damage.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis ↗Controls
- site assessment
- wet methods
- containment
- hygiene controls
- appropriate respiratory protection