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Legionella Awareness: Your Questions Answered by Trace Blackmore
Episode 375
Hello Scaling UP! Nation, August is Legionella Awareness Month, and we're excited to bring you in-depth insights on this crucial topic. Usually, we bring you four episodes every August, but this year, you're in luck! With five Fridays this month, we have five episodes packed with valuable information for you. Today, podcast host Trace Blackmore, CWT, is here to answer your pressing questions about Legionella. As industrial water treaters, you are the heroes in the fight against Legionella, protecting your communities and clients against this dangerous bacteria. Scaling up your Legionella knowledge is a great way to celebrate Legionella Awareness Month, and to support you, we've created a free Legionella resources page at www.ScalingUpH2o.com/Legionella
Understanding Legionella: Common Questions Answered
What is the difference between Legionella and Legionnaires' disease?
Legionella is a bacteria responsible for Legionnaires' disease, a type of pneumonia that comes from getting ill after being exposed to Legionella. It thrives in water and poses significant health risks. Legionnaires' disease was discovered in the mid 1970's after several attendees of the American Legion convention got sick after attending the convention.
How does a person get Legionnaires' disease?
Inhaling water contaminated with Legionella bacteria can lead to infection.
What are the symptoms of Pontiac Fever or Legionnaires' disease?
Early symptoms mimic the flu, but more severe pneumonia-like symptoms can develop. Look out for high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, chills, and diarrhea.
How common is Legionnaires' disease?
Per the CDC, in 2015 there were approximately 6,000 cases reported in the United States.
Who is at higher risk for developing Legionnaires' disease?
While most people have resistance, fewer than 5 in 100 exposed individuals may develop the disease. High-risk groups include older adults, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.
How does Legionella enter buildings?
Legionella enters through a building's makeup water. This is why we need to test the water coming into a building's system and also set up a program to test within the system so we know what to do and respond appropriately if a test comes back positive for Legionella bacteria.
What promotes Legionella growth?
Biofilm, temperature fluctuations, inadequate disinfectant levels, and water stagnation within building water systems can promote Legionella growth
What are Water Management Programs (WMPs)?
WMPs are designed to identify hazardous conditions and minimize the growth and spread of waterborne pathogens, including Legionella, in building water systems.
How Should I Discuss Legionella Testing Frequency with a Client Who Only Wants to Test Once a Year?
When discussing Legionella testing with a client who only wants to test once a year, emphasize the importance of more frequent testing for safety and compliance. Here's how to approach the conversation:
- Encourage Regular Testing: I always encourage people to test for Legionella at least every season or quarter. Regular testing helps identify potential issues early, ensuring the safety of your water system.
- Refer to the Water Management Plan (WMP): It's crucial to refer back to your Water Management Plan (WMP) to understand the necessary steps if a test comes back positive for Legionella bacteria.
- Develop a Comprehensive Plan: Let's come up with a plan outlining what we are going to test, how often we will test, and how we will use the data. We should also decide how to handle positive results, particularly for different Legionella species. Taking
Published on 1 year, 4 months ago