by Matt Freije

Disinfection systems can be installed in a building’s plumbing to minimize Legionella bacteria in the water delivered to faucets, showers, and drinking fountains. Commonly used technologies inject a chemical (the disinfectant) into the water supply shortly after it enters the building, into the hot water system at or near the water heaters, or into both.

by Matt Freije

Legionnaires'-related lawsuits are not uncommon, in part because the disease is entirely environmental — it isn’t contracted from another person but by exposure to Legionella bacteria transmitted from water in plumbing systems, cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and decorative fountains.

by Matt Freije

In February 2012, The Lancet reported the first confirmed case of Legionnaires' disease associated with dental water lines. The patient, an 82-year-old woman in Rome, died just two days after she was diagnosed despite heavy antibiotic treatment. In the 2 to 10 days prior to onset of illness, she had left her home only twice, both times for dentist appointments. The Legionella pneumophila strain found in the dental water lines matched what was found in the patient (Ricci 2012). (The ABC news story is posted here.)

by Matthew Freije

Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease have been associated with situations--water main breaks, construction, opening of backup water feeds--that have presumably sent contaminants into a building domestic (potable) water system or dislodged biofilm from piping. Such situations are sometimes evidenced by discolored water.

"I went to sleep on May 4, hardly able to breathe. That's pretty much all I remember until I woke up on June 3rd. My wife advised me I was on life support for almost a month and it looked very grim at times. This disease almost killed me." T.C.

"I had LD in 1997: Unconscious, fever 107°F, several days on a cooling blanket, 56 days in coma, 71 days in hospital, had to learn to walk again. My neurological system is severely damaged. I am unable to work. I am fighting Social Security for disability benefits. HELP." R.H.