legionella testing

1. What Is a Legionella Test and How It Helps? According to research carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that up to 18,000 people are identified with and hospitalized due to Legionnaire's disease. This sickness occurs due to Legionella bacterium which is usually found in water. The disease is fatal as well as contagious and occurs in the form of severe pneumonia. The bacteria's most suitable breeding platform is cooling towers and water systems where water is stored for rural and urban use. This is why it is stressed that people boil water before consumption, as it is one of the easiest ways to eradicate all kinds of bacteria. Get more info legionella testing What is the Legionella Bacterium? This is a rod shaped bacterium that causes severe form of flu, commonly known as pneumonia or Pontiac fever. It was identified as one of the leading causes of pneumonia outbreaks in the US during 1976. The bacterium has around 40 species and out of those 18 can be the cause of diseases, with the "pneumophia" causing one of the most severe forms of infections. This bacterium thrives under very specific environments where the temperature is above 68 F with a strong presence of iron, L Cysteine, Biofilm and various kinds of organics or plastics. This is why water cooling systems or plumbing systems are the perfect growth area for this bacteria.

2. What is Legionella Water Test and Analysis? Water samples from cooling towers are checked for the presence of this bacterium. Certified water treatment companies have the equipment and necessary technology to identify the presence of this bacterium. Once identified, Legionella management plans are made and control programs are brought into affect to make water safe for consumption. Through these control structures, Legionnaire's disease can be effectively monitored, maintained and eradicated. What Control Measures Are Adopted? This bacteria can be controlled by keeping hot water temperature above 50 degrees Celsius, while cold water should be below 20 degrees Celsius. Other than that, all water maintaining systems must be kept clean and all forms of corrosion, scale and dirt must be removed. Water must always be kept fresh and there must be no stagnant water conditions. Water Testing at Home This bacterium is not just limited to water systems. It can be found in your home's tap water too, therefore, it is essential that you buy water testing kits and test the water for any kind of contamination. If the results are positive, you can either complain to a health center in your area or buy a purification kit. Once purified, you will still need to boil the water, in order to make it safe for consumption.