Anthrax is an infection caused by a biological agent, a
bacterium call Bacillus anthracis By spores entering through: -
Broken skin Malignant pustules – on exposed area of skin
Pulmonary anthrax – through inhalation, typical influenza
symptoms Intestinal anthrax – through ingestion, severe stomach
pain, vomiting and diarrhoea Historically horse hair, and has
been used in construction, usually as an admixture of plaster,
but occasionally on ceilings as an insulant. Although
regulations to combat anthrax were introduced in 1907, they were
virtually ineffectual until the outbreak of the Second World
War. Thus, architects or those involved in refurbishment of
historic buildings should be aware that sampling and analysis
would be prudent in buildings over 50 years old to establish
whether or not there is a problem. Bacillus anthracis is in
Hazard Group 3, i.e. it is a biological agent that can cause
severe human disease and present a serious hazard to employees;
it may present a risk of spreading to the community