A Victorian grandfather is urging gardeners to exercise caution after a potting mix-related infection left him in a 10-day coma and required months of hospitalization. Stewart, 76, contracted a rare infection caused by Nocardia nova, a bacteria commonly found in soil, after failing to wear a mask while gardening.
Stewart's ordeal began on May 15 when he experienced sudden illness after tending to his garden. He reported collapsing, hitting his head, and vomiting uncontrollably, with no immediate understanding of the cause. Doctors at Ballarat Base Hospital spent weeks attempting to diagnose his condition before tests revealed he had inhaled the bacteria, in addition to suffering from two fungal infections and pneumonia.
Following the initial collapse, Stewart spent 10 days in a coma and three months in hospital. His wife, Reita, described the significant impact on his health, stating he is now a "shadow of his former self" and has lost considerable weight and strength. Stewart himself reported having to relearn basic functions, saying, "I had to learn to walk and talk again."
Stewart and Reita are now advocating for clearer and more prominent health warnings on potting mix packaging, particularly for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and immunocompromised. "The packaging isn't clear enough," Stewart stated, with Reita adding, "I would like to see a bigger warning on the packet. It is essential that they make people aware of how dangerous this stuff is."
Health professionals commonly advise gardeners to wear a P1 or P2 face mask when handling potting mix to prevent inhalation of potentially harmful dust. However, the exact composition of various potting mixes and the potential presence of contaminants remain subjects of concern for experts. Professor David Eldridge of the University of NSW's School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences noted the variability in potting mixes, some of which may contain organic matter and, in some past instances, industrial waste.
Scotts, the manufacturer of the potting mix Stewart used, told A Current Affair that it had no record of the specific incident but expressed a desire to speak with Stewart directly. The company stated that its packaging adheres to the Australian Standard AS 3743, which includes safety information and instructions for use, along with guidance on protective measures.
