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ACGIH Book Review
From Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene Journal: Book Reviews: Legionellae Control in Health Care Facilities: A Guide for Minimizing Risk. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg 11(12):1461. Reprinted with permission. Reviewed by Lawrence Stilwell Betts, MD, Ph.D., CIH; Oakland, California. There is an interesting disclaimer in the front of this book: "This book was written only as a general guide and not as the ultimate source of information on the subject (see the Introduction for specific cautions)… nor does either (author or publisher) guarantee the accuracy, completeness, usefulness, or effectiveness of the material provided. The author and the publisher shall not be liable for damages in an amount greater than the purchase price of this book, or in any event for incidental or consequential damages caused or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly, by use of any information disclosed in this publication, including the use of any recommendations, methods, products, services, instructions, or ideas." With such a preamble, should such a text be read? Well, I guess it all depends on what you read and what you believe—or what you believe you read! This soft-cover book covers in good detail the natural history of Legionellae and Legionnaires' disease. Legionnaires' disease is noted to be an environmental disease, as the causal agent resides in a water environment and is not transmitted from one person to another as found with the etiologic agents of communicable diseases. Inhalation of aerosol droplets is the most common source of infection. Consistent with the title, emphasis is placed on control in healthcare facilities. Very practical managerial considerations such as "Evaluating Your Facility" and "Deciding How Much Money to Spend to Reduce Your Risk" are addressed. A Legionellae action plan for healthcare facilities is presented and discussed. This plan includes planning and implementing preventive measures; evaluating environmental sampling; intrafacility communications between cognizant parties; and system disinfection. Even a section on "What Not to Do: Procedures That Are a Waste of Time and Money" is presented for the reader. The chapter on "Responding to an Outbreak" contains essential information on the environmental and epidemiologic investigation. It also provides sound and sage advice on "getting Outside Help"—both paid and gratis. The book contains a current and extensive bibliography and a valuable listing of sources for laboratory support, case investigation, "advice" lines, and much more. Quite frankly, the approach and application of science in this text represents some of the best industrial (occupational) hygiene that I have ever seen in print! Sure, the text addresses a biological stressor and not the typical chemical or physical agent which industrial hygienists most frequently encounter—but then again, it leads the way with a guide and provides the essential input. Get this book if you have responsibility for occupational health in a hospital/healthcare facility or if you want to read and learn a true-to-life approach to the industrial hygiene triad of recognition, evaluation, and control. You won't be sorry. Ordering information Item
104, ISBN
0-9649926-4-7,
US$79 If you do not want to order the book by credit card through our secure online system, you may order by check, purchase order, or credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, or Discover) by telephone, fax, or the postal service. Include shipping of $4 to USA, $6 to Canada, or $12 to all other countries (total per order, no matter how many copies). Please order by telephone if you would like Next-day or 2nd-day air (USA only). Contact:
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