Re: Amber 2, Oh the humanity

[art@acc.com (Art Berggreen)]

>
>Sorry, got carried away there, anyway I would like to know what might =
>one be exposing ones self to grubbing away after bones? (and sorry for =
>the length and related internet issues).

I'm not sure I'd worry much about the fossils themselves, but more
recent organisms at the dig site may be a cause for concern.  In the
southern end of California's great central valley, the soil contains
the spores of a fungus.  When inhaled, these spores can cause a potentially
life threatening disease, known as valley fever.  While many people
have mild symptoms, I personally knew one person who was sidelined
for several months with this.  Digging in these areas should be done
at the damper times of year, and with breathing filters.  And of course
there is always things like snakes, scorpions, poison ivy/oak/sumac.
(in California, I've seen rattlesnakes and scorpions a few times)

Art