Please let your friends and family know that they need to wear masks when working with potting soil. Most people do not realize that dangerous pathogens, including Legionella bacteria, can grow in soil.
A Tragic Loss
A couple grieving the loss of their daughter are warning people to use a mask when working with potting soil. Their daughter did not, and contracted Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by breathing in Legionella bacteria. The potting soil she used was contaminated with Legionella.
The woman’s father, Mark Hutchings, has become an advocate, calling for legislation to require potting soil to be sold with a mask and/or the sale of masks alongside potting soil. His daughter died after spending weeks in a coma. “In the end her lungs were so damaged they fell apart. She haemorrhaged to death. It was a nightmare for everyone, weeks watching her die slowly,” Mr Hutchings told WA Today.
Call for Immediate Action
We are calling on potting soil manufacturers to attach a mask to potting soil products and provide clear, detailed warnings. In addition, we are calling on retailers to post warnings where potting soil is sold.
“A few inexpensive changes could save lives,” said Fred Pritzker, an attorney who represents clients nationwide in Legionnaires’ disease personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Fred and attorney Eric Hageman are our lead lawyers for these cases. You can contact them for a free consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free).
Potting soil manufacturers are legally responsible for Legionnaires’ pneumonia cases linked to their products, but this is no consolation for families who have lost loved ones.
“It is in everyone’s best interest to take every measure to prevent illness,” said Fred.
Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Eric Hageman have helped many families get compensation and justice. Fred is an active safety advocate, and has spoken at events at Harvard Law School, Cornell University and other venues.