Review of medical literature regarding biological agents and their metabolic or degradation products that are produced during the composting of yard waste (grass clippings, shrubbery, leaves, etc.). Common types, sources, exposure levels and potential health effects of biological agents such as Aspergillus fumigatus, bacterial endotoxins and thermophilic actinomycetes are described. The occurrence of these bioaerosols in the natural environment and at large municipal composting facilities is discussed.

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