Source: CDC
What is Legionnaires' Disease?
According to the CDC, it is "a serious type of pneumonia (lung infection) caused by Legionella bacteria. Pulled from the latest surveillance report from 2016-2017, a total of 63,529 cases have been confirmed between 2000-2017.
"In man-made settings, Legionella can grow if water is not properly maintained. These manmade water sources become a health problem when small droplets of water that contain the bacteria get into the air and people breathe them in. "
Of these cases, 9 in 10 are preventable with proper building water treatment management. One of the most common sources of which are cooling towers.
Check out this infographic from the CDC:
Planning a construction project, have a cooling tower, or subject to seasonal temperature changes?
All of these affect the water environment of your building and can lead to the growth of bacteria. Proper understanding, planning and monitoring is needed for your building's water treatment. With today's technology, you can use a control system to monitor levels remotely, from any mobile device - and set alarms!
Along with the rise in confirmed cases, is a rise in government regulation to protect the public. Here's an article on the Florida legislation that became active July 1. This is why it is important to be proactive.