Are pigeon droppings dangerous to humans?
Pigeon droppings can be dangerous to humans, because they can carry organisms that cause illness and, once dried, create a dust that is risky to breathe. Where droppings have built up, safe removal of pigeon guano from lofts and roofs protects the people who use or maintain the building.
What diseases are linked to pigeon droppings?
Pigeon droppings are linked to psittacosis, an infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, and to fungal organisms that can affect people with weakened immunity. The overall risk to a healthy person from occasional contact is low, but it rises where droppings accumulate and are disturbed.
Why is dried guano a particular hazard?
Dried guano is a particular hazard because disturbing it sends fine dust and any organisms it holds into the air, where they can be inhaled. This is why sweeping or dry-brushing a build-up is discouraged, and why removal is done with methods that keep the dust down, linking closely to infection control decontamination.
Who is most at risk?
Those most at risk are people who work around accumulated droppings, such as maintenance and facilities staff, and anyone with a weakened immune system or a respiratory condition. Occupants of a building with guano in a loft or plant room can also be affected if the dust reaches occupied spaces.
How is a build-up of droppings removed safely?
A build-up of droppings is removed safely by trained operatives wearing respiratory protection, dampening the material to control dust, clearing and bagging it, and disinfecting the area afterwards. The waste is disposed of correctly, and any proofing to stop the birds returning is a separate, sensible follow-up.
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