Legionellla is the causative bacteria of Legionnaire's Disease, a form of pneumonia that can be fatal if not treated right away. The bacteria is present in most water systems, although normally it is present in negligible amounts. The bacteria thrives in a temperature similar to that of the human body. Temperature that is lower will cause them to grow dormant and higher temperatures will also progressively kill them.
Understanding Transmission
The transmission of the legionella bacteria starts with contaminated water where the bacteria has multiplied and has reached critical levels. It is then spread through the release of aerosol droplets into the atmosphere, where it has the potential to be breathed in. Aerosols are often formed when there is a disturbance in the water system such as maintenance or the agitation of the system by outside forces. Experts stress that the amount of bacteria in an enclosed water system will not matter if there is no method of transmission into the air through aerosol formation, but it is equally important to maintain legionella bacteria levels in water systems within safe levels.
How Legionella Control is Done
The first stage of control is in the water systems such a reservoirs, fountains, spas, misting devices and pools to prevent the multiplication of the bacteria. It is important to note that most water systems already in place in most households and establishments have very small numbers of the bacteria in them. It is when the bacteria overpopulates that the system becomes contaminated and appropriate control measures need to be taken. This includes maintaining the right temperatures that prevent the bacteria from thriving and avoiding warm or lukewarm water conditions which present the perfect environment for their growth.
Importance of Legionella Control?
Legionella control is essential in populated areas because the disease it causes can be fatal if not treated right away.
Since the bacteria thrives in bodies of water, even in water reservoirs that supply a particular population, control of the bacteria is necessary to avoid a widespread epidemic. The severity of the disease ranges from a mild fever to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can be especially life-threatening to those with compromised immune systems such as very young children, the very old or those suffering from chronic illness. The disease usually develops 5 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, during which the person may exhibit flu-like symptoms.
Legionella control is essential in places where water supplies are necessary, which is basically any establishment where people work, live, play and meet. The bacteria can multiply in any container that holds water such as storage tanks, pipe systems where water is kept at lukewarm temperatures, pipes with little to no water flow, water storage that already exhibit signs of biofilm and shower taps, faucets and other water sources with signs of corrosion.
Water supplies stored in cooling towers need to undergo a chemical treatment program to make sure that legionella content is negligible. It is also important to avoid stagnant water and to make sure that water containers are free from deposits and other build-up. A popular and very effective option would be the use of a chlorine dioxide treatment system which exposes the water to a chlorine dioxide dosing system.
Understanding Transmission
The transmission of the legionella bacteria starts with contaminated water where the bacteria has multiplied and has reached critical levels. It is then spread through the release of aerosol droplets into the atmosphere, where it has the potential to be breathed in. Aerosols are often formed when there is a disturbance in the water system such as maintenance or the agitation of the system by outside forces. Experts stress that the amount of bacteria in an enclosed water system will not matter if there is no method of transmission into the air through aerosol formation, but it is equally important to maintain legionella bacteria levels in water systems within safe levels.
How Legionella Control is Done
The first stage of control is in the water systems such a reservoirs, fountains, spas, misting devices and pools to prevent the multiplication of the bacteria. It is important to note that most water systems already in place in most households and establishments have very small numbers of the bacteria in them. It is when the bacteria overpopulates that the system becomes contaminated and appropriate control measures need to be taken. This includes maintaining the right temperatures that prevent the bacteria from thriving and avoiding warm or lukewarm water conditions which present the perfect environment for their growth.
Importance of Legionella Control?
Legionella control is essential in populated areas because the disease it causes can be fatal if not treated right away.
Since the bacteria thrives in bodies of water, even in water reservoirs that supply a particular population, control of the bacteria is necessary to avoid a widespread epidemic. The severity of the disease ranges from a mild fever to a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can be especially life-threatening to those with compromised immune systems such as very young children, the very old or those suffering from chronic illness. The disease usually develops 5 to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, during which the person may exhibit flu-like symptoms.
Legionella control is essential in places where water supplies are necessary, which is basically any establishment where people work, live, play and meet. The bacteria can multiply in any container that holds water such as storage tanks, pipe systems where water is kept at lukewarm temperatures, pipes with little to no water flow, water storage that already exhibit signs of biofilm and shower taps, faucets and other water sources with signs of corrosion.
Water supplies stored in cooling towers need to undergo a chemical treatment program to make sure that legionella content is negligible. It is also important to avoid stagnant water and to make sure that water containers are free from deposits and other build-up. A popular and very effective option would be the use of a chlorine dioxide treatment system which exposes the water to a chlorine dioxide dosing system.