Cryptococcus gattii exposure
What is the potential risk?
Workers who spend time outdoors in wooded areas may be exposed to Cryptococcus gattii (C. gattii), a microscopic fungus that releases spores which may be inhaled and cause an infection called cryptococcal disease.
C. gattii grows on leaves and soil in forested areas, primarily in the Greater Vancouver area, in the Fraser Valley, and on central and southern Vancouver Island. Activities that disturb the fungus — such as walking through wooded areas, clearing trees, and pruning or chipping trees where C. gattii is growing — may release spores into the air. Inhalation of these spores can result in cryptococcal disease, which may include symptoms such as headaches, fever, vomiting, weight loss, shortness of breath, prolonged cough, and pneumonia. In more severe cases, the fungus can potentially travel through the bloodstream to the central nervous system, resulting in a more serious disease, such as meningitis, or even death.
C. gattii infections are endemic in B.C., with an average of about 23 diagnosed cases per year. There have been incidents of B.C. workers who have been exposed to C. gattii and experienced adverse health effects.
Workers who may be at risk of illness due to C. gattii exposure include those in forestry, construction, silviculture, agriculture, landscaping, land surveying, park management, or other outdoor work.
Which industries may be at risk?
- Forestry
- Agriculture
- Park, campground, or trail maintenance
- Landscaping, lawn, or garden maintenance
- Weed control
How can I reduce the risk in my workplace?
As an employer, you need to know if there is the potential for the risk identified in this advisory to be present in your workplace. It’s your responsibility to regularly inspect your workplace, and to ensure that your safety procedures and practices control the risk. The following information highlights some of the sections of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation and Guidelines that are most relevant to this risk.
Cryptococcus gattii is a very close relative of C. neoformans, which is a Health Canada Risk Group 2 fungus and is designated as a hazardous substance under OHS Regulation section 5.1.1. Section 6.34 of the Regulation requires that employers implement an exposure control plan (ECP) if there is a potential for worker exposure to a biological agent that is a hazardous substance.
The ECP must meet the requirements of section 5.54 of the Regulation, including:
- A risk assessment
- A list of work activities for which there is occupational exposure
- Engineering and administrative controls used to eliminate or minimize occupational exposure
- The personal protective equipment to be used
- Worker education and training
Where can I find resources?
You can access the following resource on worksafebc.com: