Legionella in Water Systems
In the past decade the number of reported cases of Legionnaire’s Disease has increased. There are estimated more than 25,000 deaths per year in the United States. Legionnaire's disease is a lung infection caused by a bacterium named Legionella pneumophila.
Outbreaks of legionellosis have been traced to a number of water sources including cooling towers, air conditioners, hot tubs, showerheads, public fountains, and even a supermarket vegetable-misting machine. The existence of Legionella pneumophila in building water systems should be of major importance to engineers, and hygienists. The Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) set by the EPA for Legionella is at zero because any amount of exposure to these contaminants represents some health risk.
Legionnaire's Disease is a preventable and avoidable disease, the costs associated with an outbreak are far greater than the cost of prevention.
This newsletter is provided as a free service to clients and friends of OMNI. The information contained in this newsletter is not intended as legal advice or engineering advice. If you have specific questions or comments concerning this newsletter or its contents please contact us at OMNI Professional Environmental Associates, P.A. PO Box 13404, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3404, Phone 919-544-5442 or by email: omnipro@earthlink.net |
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