BIZARRE DISEASE CAUSED BY INHALING PIGEON DROPPINGS

BIZARRE DISEASE CAUSED BY INHALING PIGEON DROPPINGS

LOS ANGELES (Wireless Flash) -- Health officials are concerned over a new disease caused by inhaling pigeon poop. According to University of Southern California toxicologist Dr. Nachman Brautbar, some pigeon droppings contain microscopic molds that, if inhaled, can grow in the lungs and even cause death. It's called "pigeon breeders' lung disease," but anyone who works in a building with central air conditioning or heating can contract the disease from pigeons roosting in air intake ducts. Brautbar says regular inspections of air handling systems to remove pigeons and their droppings can prevent the spread of the disease. Experts will be discussing the unusual disease at the first- ever Sick Building Syndrome Conference in Los Angeles next Tuesday (Sept. 21).