Frank Fusco
Member
- Messages
- 12,791
- Location
- Mountain Home, Arkansas
Richard, I am a little sensitive to people throwing out scare messages. The internet is filled with them. And, since I work with antler and know many people who do, and have for many decades, I question the accuracy of that statement. I'll be checking with an expert source today and will post his response later.
OK, I got a reply from my expert. The expert happens to be my son. He is an emergency room physician who has worked in Arkansas, southern Louisiana, Alaska and now in Missouri. He has encountered many hunters, craftsmen and other eclectic types (I'm one of them) who might come into contact with any possible antler buggies. In Alaska he worked in a native Indian clinic and knew many native craftsmen there who made stuff with everything from antler to oosic.
If anyone would have contacted this 'lung filling' fungus, it would be him.
He says he has never heard of such a thing and any reaction would affect only those who might be allergic to whatever they contact. Fungus is possible but would not give that kind fast of response, especially in healthy people. He did say that people with Asthma or a similar disease could have a rapid reaction to the dust. And (not his words) presumably ANY dust. Bottom line, this is an unfounded fear. Still have concerns? Wear a mask, precaution is always prudent.