Safe composting tips for people with food allergies

Updated:

In order to compost food safely, people with food allergies must prevent allergen particles from somehow getting inside their body. (©iStockphoto/Thinkstock)

HealthMore>>
Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction
Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction
Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >>
Heavy consumption of diet soda can damage teeth as badly as methamphetamine or crack cocaine, a new study contends.More >>
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
U.S. teen birth rate plummets
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >>
Teen birth rates in the United States are dropping sharply, especially among Hispanic teens, according to a new government report.More >>
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Too few kids use fast-food calorie info
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >>
Kids who eat fast food at least twice a week are 50 percent less likely to use calorie and nutritional information than kids who eat fast food less often.More >>
American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress
American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >>
The American Cancer Society, which is celebrating on Wednesday a century of fighting a disease once viewed as a death sentence, is making a pledge to put itself out of business.More >>
Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters
Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >>
In the aftermath of this week's deadly tornado, many people in Oklahoma are not only struggling to care for children and relatives, but also their pets.More >>
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Over the last decade, the number of American children who die each year awaiting an organ donation dropped by more than half, new research reveals. And increasing numbers of children are receiving donor organs.More >>
Americans still making unhealthy choices
Americans still making unhealthy choices
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
The overall health of Americans isn't improving much, with about six in 10 people either overweight or obese and large numbers engaging in unhealthy behaviors like smoking, heavy drinking or not exercising.More >>
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
The monstrous tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., on Monday, killing dozens of adults and children, is a stunning example of violent weather that can affect a child's mental well-being.More >>
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
When a classmate commits suicide, teens are more likely to consider or attempt suicide themselves, according to a new study. More >>
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>
Urban elementary school children with poorly controlled asthma are likely to experience sleep problems and suffer academically, new research indicates.More >>

SATURDAY, July 14 (HealthDay News) -- Composting food waste is safe for people with food allergies if they take some basic precautions, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

In order to compost food safely, people with food allergies must prevent allergen particles from somehow getting inside their body, such as through an open wound or by inhaling fine particles in the air or fumes.

To reduce the risk of exposure to food allergens, AAAAI experts advised that people with food allergies take the following steps while composting:

- Wear a pollen mask to prevent inhaling any particles.

- Cover scratches or open wounds with goggles, gloves or long sleeve shirts and pants.

- Keep in mind the possible effects of heat on food.

Like boiling or roasting foods, the heat from composting could have an unforeseen effect on the allergic properties of foods. As a result, the AAAAI recommended that people with food allergies take these safety precautions when handling materials after the composting process as well.

Anyone with food allergies who comes into contact with people who have been composting food waste should also be sure they wore gloves or thoroughly washed their hands when they were finished to prevent exposure to allergen particles, the AAAAI noted.

More information

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has more about composting.

*DISCLAIMER*: The information contained in or provided through this site section is intended for general consumer understanding and education only and is not intended to be and is not a substitute for professional advice. Use of this site section and any information contained on or provided through this site section is at your own risk and any information contained on or provided through this site section is provided on an "as is" basis without any representations or warranties.

Safe composting tips for people with food allergies - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Safe composting tips for people with food allergies

Video Gallery

An apple a day

Food allergies and kids

The return of ragweed

Treating egg allergy

Has fast food gotten healthier?

HealthMore>>

Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction

Diet soda habit as bad for teeth as meth addiction

U.S. teen birth rate plummets

U.S. teen birth rate plummets

Too few kids use fast-food calorie info

Too few kids use fast-food calorie info

American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress

American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of progress

Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters

Simple steps can protect pets in weather disasters

More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist

More kids getting donor organs, but gaps persist

Americans still making unhealthy choices

Americans still making unhealthy choices

Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health

Weather worries can threaten a child's mental health

Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens

Student suicide may spur similar thoughts in teens

Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma

Sleepless nights may hurt school performance of kids with asthma