Legionella
THE MAJOR SOURCE OF LEGIONELLA is water distribution systems of large buildings, including hotels and hospitals. Cooling towers have long been thought to be a major source for Legionella, but new data suggest that this is an overemphasized mode of transmission. Other sources include mist machines, humidifiers, whirlpool spas, and hot springs. Air conditioners are not a likely source for Legionnaire’s Disease. They were suspected to be the source in the original American Legion outbreak in a Philadelphia hotel; however, new data now suggest that the water in the hotel was the actual culprit.
W.E.S.T., Inc. will conduct a thorough risk assessment of your plant or facility, will identify individuals or groups that are at the greatest risk of being infected with Legionella pneumophila, and will identify the possible sources of Legionella pneumophila transmission within the facility.
W.E.S.T., Inc. will establish routine testing of potential sources within a facility where a significant number of susceptible individuals are found. This may include domestic water systems, cooling towers, and decorative fountains. Tests will be conducted by a certified laboratory following the recommended procedures established by the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. Because the Legionella bacteria are found nearly everywhere, testing will provide a base of data to measure the effectiveness of the preventive treatment program.
As necessary, W.E.S.T., Inc. will provide sterilization procedures for water systems, along with recommendations for the routine maintenance and testing required for minimizing the risk of the Legionella bacteria.