candle25
Active member
In a discussion that is going on another board, some bro's have brought something to my attention. It seems to be the hombrew standard to use 0.45 micron filters when converting powders. The most recent examination of this practice suggests that a 0.2 micron would be better. The reason being that some types of bacteria (like staph) go into a dormant spore state when growth conditions are not optimal. These spores average about 0.3 microns in diameter and will pass through a 0.45 micron filter. Spores are some of the most hardy things on the planet. They can withstand extreme heat, cold and even harsh chemical bactereostatic agents like straight bleach. Trust me when I say the piddly little 3% to 10% BA in a mixture won't do Jack and they can handle heat that would decompose your gear. When the spores are deposited in an environment with adequate water, nutriuents, and temperature (like say your muscle bed), they come back to life and voila, you have a staph infection. A staph infection in your muscle bed can be extremely serious; it could lead to amputation or even death. Why are so many people willing to risk this scenareo by relying on baking, BA, and 0.45 micron filters?
I want to thank Spidey and Growing Doc for bringing this issue to light.
I want to thank Spidey and Growing Doc for bringing this issue to light.
