Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Peat Moss Dangers

Gardeners and farmers around the world have often used peat moss, which is mostly made up of a variety of moss known as sphagnum moss. Peat moss is a further deconstructed and decomposed form of the sphagnum moss and is often added to the name brand potting soils sold worldwide. Because of its low pH and ability to hold both water and air well, peat moss is helpful in growing many different plants and crops. However, there is some debate as to whether peat moss has a potentially negative effect on the environment, along with health concerns.

Contributing to Global Warming

When left in its natural habitat, peat moss acts as a reserve for carbon emissions. The carbon is stored within the peat moss, and it is not until the peat moss is removed and mined for use in gardens and potting soil--and the peat begins to decompose--that those carbon emissions are released into the environment, according to treehugger.com.

Fungal Disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people who have contact with peat moss containing the fungus Sporothrix schenckii have the potential of contracting sporotrichosis. The fungal spores from the moss enter the blood stream through a cut or open would and infect the person. To protect yourself from coming down with sporotrichosis, cover any exposed skin that may come into contact with the peat moss by wearing gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.

  • Gardeners and farmers around the world have often used peat moss, which is mostly made up of a variety of moss known as sphagnum moss.

Using Up a Natural Resource

Peat moss is collected from peat bogs; the wetlands of these peat bogs only exist in about 3 percent of Earth, mostly in Finland, Canada, Ireland and Sweden. As the peat is collected and then harvested, this slow-growing (about 1 millimeter in depth annually) moss is over time being removed. Natural Life Magazine writer Wendy Priesnitz states that peat moss and peat bogs constitute a delicate balance to the natural habitat of the surrounding areas and the wildlife that reside there.

Related Articles

Uses for Reindeer Moss
Uses for Reindeer Moss
Vermiculite Dangers
Vermiculite Dangers
How to Kill Moss on Asphalt
How to Kill Moss on Asphalt
Alternatives to Vermiculite & Perlite
Alternatives to Vermiculite & Perlite
Coco Coir vs. Peat Moss
Coco Coir vs. Peat Moss
How to Keep Moss Alive
How to Keep Moss Alive
The Dangers of Peat Moss
The Dangers of Peat Moss
How to Use Tide for Roof Moss
How to Use Tide for Roof Moss
How to Grow Pillow Moss
How to Grow Pillow Moss
Sphagnum vs. Spanish Moss
Sphagnum vs. Spanish Moss
What Parts Do Non-Vascular Plants Have?
What Parts Do Non-Vascular Plants Have?
Alternatives to Sphagnum Moss
Alternatives to Sphagnum Moss
Mold on Peat Pots
Mold on Peat Pots
Why Would I Have Green Moss Growing on My Roof?
Why Would I Have Green Moss Growing on My Roof?
How to Spread Peat Moss on Large Areas
How to Spread Peat Moss on Large Areas
Types of Soil With Radon
Types of Soil With Radon
Garden Guides
×