Is lime harmful?

Hermy

Is the lime farmers spread harmful at all as my better half has asthma?
We've shut the windows just to be sure.

It's being spread at the moment in nearby fields and we're downwind of it unfortunately though it seems to dissipate fairly quickly.

Also, is it the done thing to let the neighbours know before you start so they can shut windows in advance?

patsy_mccabe

Agricultural Lime is just ground down limestone. It's slightly basic (high PH) and is used to correct the acidity in the soil that builds up over time.
While it's probably not ideal to inhale directly, one shower of rain will wash it away.
I never tell my neighbours if I'm spreading unless there is washing out.

Hermy

Thanks for that Patsy.

There's a bit of a breeze so I know myself it won't linger in the air after it's been spread.

Just got a bit of a land initially when I saw the dust cloud heading our way.

Dirty Nails

I think most farmers would try to avoid spreading lime in windy conditions.
Not much point in buying lime for the neighbours land

Hermy

Too true!

ruwithme

Just on your last point op, i spread lime for many years for a contractor i worked for and often found myself in a field with nearby houses, often built in the same field and not owned by the farmer.

i would always ask farmer should i keep well out from house boundary if wind was heading that direction. i don't think one ever said yes do that.

i did my best to keep out reasonably without the notice of the farmer. it can be quite messy lime dust somewhere it wasn't intended.