Are bacterial spores harmful to breathe?

Question

We work next to a plant that produces bacterial industrial agents. When they dehydrate the bacteria the spores are released into the air and we are engulfed in a horrible smell and we have respiratory problems and nausea.

Answer 1

Hello Robert, 

 

I am not sure the kind of bacteria or chemicals from dead bacteria are being released from the plant. However, from your description of horrible smell causing respiratory problems and nausea, it appears that something is reacting to nasal epithelium and is being inhaled by the people who live nearby. The best thing to do would be to record the symptoms and the number of affected individuals in specific radius surrounding the plant. Then make a chart of it and send a letter to local or nearby EPA office with adequate signatures from community people who are affected by smell in the air. EPA can look into the matter and provide proper solution to the community. 

 

Hope this helps.