Living near bamboo health hazard?

[Carol]

Hi-

We live in Hawaii near a grove of golden bamboo, and someone mentioned that the small furry barbs on the young shoots become airborn and over time cause lung damage from breathing. Anyone have feedback on that notion?

Thanks, Carol

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Carol,
There is the Golden Bamboo, Phylostachys aurea (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=503)
It doesn't have hairy sheaths.

There is also the tropical bamboo with Golden culms and it does have hairy culm sheaths:
Bambusa vulgaris 'Vittata' (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=525)

Some tropical bamboo species (clumper types) do have hairs on their sheaths (the protective wrapping on the outside of the shoot), probably serving as a protective measure against hungry insect critters.
Some species, like Golden Bamboo have no hairs on their sheath, other species have very hairy sheaths.
Most bamboos don't have hairs on the surface of their culms (canes), but then again, some do! eg Phyllostachys mannii (syn P. decora), has short fuzzy hairs which mostly fall off in the first year.

I am `familiar' with some bamboos that can cause itchiness if the hairs are rubbed against the skin (when maintaining a clump of hairy bamboo, wear long sleeves)...

I've read something more about this some where... If I find the article I'll let you know.
Mark

[Carol]

Hi Mark-
Thanks so much for your reply... The bamboo nearby is golden in color, but does have pretty hairy sheaths on the young shoots. Maybe it is not the one you mentioned. I've had the hairy barbs on my hands and clothes before, but the concept of those little buggars airborne and inhaled seemed a bit far fetched to me. If you find anything else please let me know. Thanks also for sharing all this great info on bamboo and creating an online network!
Aloha,
Carol