[Plant-education] vermiculite and other dusty materials

[Carl Pike]

In designing a new greenhouse, we are concerned about dust during 
mixing and potting operations.  This leads to 2 questions -

1. Can anyone recommend a system for dust removal that could be 
installed over the potting bench?  Someone suggested the devices used 
around woodworking machinery.  We've heard about "snorkels" that are 
used in medical settings.

2. I have heard particular concerns about the safety of vermiculite. 
I was "brought up" using vermiculite for seedlings (peas, oats, etc.) 
either in the light or dark when the growth period was just a week or 
two.  Are there some types of vermiculite that are of less concern? 
What are people using instead?

Many thanks.   Carl
-- 
Carl S. Pike
Harry W. and Mary B. Huffnagle Professor of Botany
Department Chairperson

Department of Biology                Phone (717) 291-3958
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