Quick lowdown on Legionella
The subject of Legionella is more current than ever. A quick look over the press is sufficient to make you aware of the ever increasing number of outbreaks of acute Legionella. In the Rhineland, it's the showers in a sports facility - in Berlin, the showers in a luxury hotel ... the list could go on for some time. The closing of the establishment is always the result. It is not solely down to the amendment to the Drinking Water Ordinance that the bacteria have become a hot topic for debate. But it did ensure that operators, proprietors, builders, planners, architects and specialist plumbers now have to pay more attention to compliance with hygiene regulations. Read all the important information on the subject here.Where does Legionella appear?
Legionella can appear in all places where microbiologically ideal conditions exist for the reproduction of the Legionella, e.g. in water and waste waster. This includes for example, domestic water supply systems, inactive pipework, in jacuzzis, in air conditioning units and in water systems with incorporated cisterns or tanks.The ideal breeding conditions for Legionella can be summed up in three words: "Tranquility, nutrients and warmth".
What do Legionella cause?
In Germany, there are an estimated 30,000 cases of legionellosis every year. There are two common clinical pictures:- Legionella pneumonia (Legionellosis, Legionnaires' disease); the incubation period is approx. 2–10 days. The disease can be fatal in isolated cases.
- Pontiac fever; incubation period of approx. 1–2 Tage. Can be treated with medication.
Who is most at risk?
Basically ... everybody! The fact of the matter is, that the majority of those taken ill already had an immune deficiency. This can be caused by: nicotine, alcohol, having been operated or advanced age or chronic conditions.Even professional sports people are in the group of people most at risk. Interestingly, men are more at risk than women.
How does infection with Legionella occur?
Infection with Legionella is generally the result of the inhalation of respirable particles. The particles are often released during showering as a result of the air rushing through the water. Air conditioning units with so-called air purifiers or air humidifiers and dental instruments in states of poor maintenance can also pose a threat.According to medical reports, people with severe immune deficiency can also become infected by drinking water containing Legionella. At present, it is also not possible to rule out infection through broken skin in cases of patients with large wounds.
Human-to-human contagion (droplet or smear infection) is currently ruled out.
How can you tell if Legionella is present in a sanitary system?
Through regular inspections following a schedule suited to the installation and in compliance with the applicable regulations, guidelines and/or ordinances; by appointing an approved testing institute/sample taking/analysis.Which technical guidelines should be applied in cases of Legionella?
For example, the Drinking Water Ordinance from the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water) and DIN standard 19643 "Treatment of water for use in swimming pools and for bathing"What disinfectant procedures are possible?
- Physical bactericide or thermal treatment;
- Chemical chlorinisation
- Disinfection with H202;
- Filtration and ultrafiltration;
- Disinfection by means of physical UV exposure or ultrasound/UV treatment;
- Chemical chlorinisation in combination with an electrolysis procedure.
