ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WKRC) – Two men died after using bat poop as a fertilizer for growing cannabis, according to Live Science and a journal article published in Oxford Academic.

The men from Rochester, New York, aged 59 and 64, succumbed to pneumonia after inhaling spores of a harmful fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, released by bat poop.

The fertilization process exposed the men to the fungus, leading to histoplasmosis, a severe lung infection.

According to the journal article, symptoms included:

• Chronic cough
• Fever
• Blood poisoning
• Respiratory failure

Despite being hospitalized and treated with antifungal medication, both men died from the infections.

One of the men purchased the bat poop online, while the other discovered it in his attic following a significant bat infestation.

Bat poop has been favored by many cannabis growers for its high levels of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, according to Cannabis Business Times.