Do you require Anthrax sample testing?

Anthrax is spread when its bacteria spores are inhaled, ingested, or come into contact with cuts in your skin.

The anthrax bacteria spores can survive for a very long period of time, which in some cases can be decades or even centuries.

Anthrax bacteria can be found on infected animal carcasses, wool, hair and hides, which may be present in other items such as plaster.

Anthrax symptoms begin with a flu-like illness. In most cases, symptoms develop within six days of exposure to the anthrax bacteria. However, it's possible for inhalation anthrax symptoms to take more than six weeks to appear.

This is then followed by respiratory difficulties.

Direct contact with anthrax can cause raised boil-like lesions on the skin which develop a black centre. This skin infection normally responds to early treatment with antibiotics.

If you inhale anthrax spores, they can cause damage to the lungs, which is often fatal.

On sites where anthrax has been identified workers should follow controls as set out in the HSE guidance "General controls for harmful micro-organisms".

In general, they should include:

• Wearing appropriate disposable coveralls and gloves
• Adhering to good basic hygiene with regular hand-washing and avoiding hand to mouth/eye contact
• Taking regular breaks, including meals and drinks, away from the work area
• Securely covering all cuts, abrasions and other breaks in the skin with waterproof dressings and/or gloves
• Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) – wear RPE if removing old plaster containing animal hair.  Choose RPE with an assigned protection factor of 20 (eg FFP3 disposable mask or half mask with P3 filter). For longer duration work consider powered RPE with the same protection (eg TH2 powered hood/helmet). Make sure any RPE is compatible with other protective equipment.
• Immunisation – this may be needed in some circumstances to supplement your controls above.