I have consulted several medical experts with regard to TB, influenza,
and other biohazards to be concerned during the exhumation of historic
graves.  The general consensus is that the potential for survivability
is very low except in permafrost.  There have been instances of
influenza being isolated from historic graves in permafrost.  Our former
chief medical examiner felt that molds and fungi posed a greater risk
than these things in most cases.  Still -- I suppose nothing is for
certain.  It's always good to take precautions.

Amanda Gronhovd wrote:

>Does anyone have any information about excavating in soils potentially contaminated with Tuberculosis? I checked the HISTARCH Archives, contacted the state health department, and did some research on the internet (American Lung Assoc., and a couple medical websites). Unfortunately, I haven't received any particularly reassuring answers. Essentially I've been told that we're *probably* not at risk, and that we're *probably* okay as long as we're not in an enclosed space. (Are shovel tests considered, "an enclosed space"?) I'd like something a bit more definitive than "probably."
>
>What I'm wondering is how long does TB survive in the soil? (This project is in northern Minnesota where the winters are VERY cold - 20 to 40 degrees below 0 is not uncommon.) Could a crew member contract TB by breathing in the dust raised from screening, getting dirt in their eyes or mouth, or from digging in a relatively small hole?
>
>Thanks for the help!
>Amanda Gronhovd
>
>____________________________
>
>Amanda Gronhovd
>Principal Investigator
>Summit Envirosolutions, Inc.
>1217 Bandana Blvd North
>St. Paul, MN 55108
>[log in to unmask]
>651-842-4202
>651-647-0888 (fax)
>
>
>