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Introduction
Acknowledgements
We are grateful to and the HSE in allowing the use of source material.
Crown Copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen's Printer for Scotland.
Introduction to Subject
Legionnaires Disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody, but which principally affects those who are susceptible because of age, illness, immunosuppression, smoking etc.
It is caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila and related bacteria that can be found naturally in environmental water sources such as rivers, lakes and reservoirs. They may also be found in purpose built water systems where temperatures have been at the right level to encourage their growth. Legionella bacteria thrive between 20°C and 45°C.
Although their presence is more likely in large systems such as cooling towers, air conditioning systems and whirlpool spas, Legionella bacteria can also multiply in the water systems and storage tanks in residential properties. Showers, boilers and other smaller tanks may still support the growth and proliferation of legionella organisms. In multi-occupied buildings, there is often inadequate pressure from mains water to supply all dwellings, so water may be stored. This could be in a header tank at the top of the block or even tanks at a lower level, with booster pumps to supply water to the units. Any such tank presents potential places for the bacteria to grow.
The vast majority of dwellings in the UK are served by public mains water, with around 1% of the population served by private water supplies. Private supplies may be untreated and can become contaminated more readily. Levels of chlorine in public mains water may help reduce the bacteria, but this chlorine won't be present in private supplies. In addition, with private supplies, the water is usually pumped into a storage tank within the dwelling, where it can be left to stagnate.
Legislation
Resource 1 of 5 in Legionnaires Disease