A HAMPSHIRE company has issued a warning over pigeon droppings following the deaths of two patients at a flagship hospital.

A pensioner and a ten-year-old boy died at the £842m Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow after inhaling the fungus cryptococcus – found mainly in soil and pigeon dirt.

Cryptococcus can cause chest infections and meningitis in people with weakened immune systems.

An investigation has found it was a contributory factor in the boy’s death. The other patient is thought to have died from an unrelated condition.

Now Fareham-based Envirochem, which offers an analytical and consultancy service on health and safety issues, has urged those working near pigeon nesting sites to have the areas tested for cryptococcus.

It says people should be aware of the risks, including construction workers clearing building sites and derelict spaces.

Director Stuart White said: “We’re frequently asked to survey and test for a variety of hazardous materials including asbestos, lead, arsenic etc in buildings where pigeons congregate and nest.

“As part of the initial assessment one of the first things to consider is pigeon droppings and how to deal with the dangers.

“Many people aren’t aware of the risks that are involved and often come across it by chance.

“We need to raise awareness of this issue to ensure people are protected from this dangerous fungus.”

Cryptococcus is commonly found in the soil and on windowsills where the birds have been nesting.

Environmental clean-ups of infected areas have been carried out by Envirochem using specialist containment zones and cleaning equipment.

Specialist PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is deployed along with mobile shower units when personnel are working to rid an area of any contaminants.

Professor Hugh Pennington, an infectious diseases expert, has described cryptococcus is being “very uncommon” in the UK.

Breathing in dust or water droplets containing contaminated bird droppings can lead to several other diseases including psittacosis and salmonella.