LEGIONELLA

What is Legionnaires’ disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. It is the most well-known and serious form of a group of diseases known as Legionellosis.

Infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria. The disease cannot be spread from person to person. Everyone is potentially susceptible to infection but some people are at a higher risk, e.g. those over 45 years of age, smokers and heavy
drinkers or those with respiratory or immune system impairments.

Where is Legionella found?
Legionella bacteria are common in natural water courses such as rivers and ponds. As they are widespread in the environment they can contaminate and grow in hot and cold water systems and cooling towers. They can survive in water temperatures between 6°C and
60°C and between 20°C and 45°C they will proliferate if a supply of nutrients is available, such as rust, sludge, scale, algae or other bacteria.

Click here to find out what systems represent risk and what are your duties under current law and find out how Cordon Sanitaire can help.