Tom Crist provides a thorough analysis of tuberculosis, smallpox, etc. in
"Smallpox and Other Scourges of the Dead" (pp. 79-106) in "Dangerous Places:
Health, Safety & Archaeology (Poirier & Feder 2001).

Dave Poirier
Staff Archaeologist
Conn. SHPO


-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Amanda Gronhovd
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2003 12:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Tuberculosis


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)