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causedpreviouspneumoniaoutbreaks, but theorganism’s slowgrowthand
special growth requirements prevented earlier discovery.
More than likely, youhaveheardabout theoutbreakofpneumonia that
caused 34 deaths at a
1976
American Legion convention in Philadelphia.
It might just be an interesting fact, unless you serve the water treatment
industryandknow that Legionnaire’sdisease is contractedbyan estimated
10,000 to 50,000 people in the USA alone. (Source:
/
legionnairesdisease)
This happens because water sources that provide optimal conditions
for growthof theorganisms are everywhere.They include: cooling towers,
evaporative condensers, and fluid coolers that use evaporation to reject
heat; domestic hot-water systems, humidifiers and decorative fountains
that create awater spray. Furthermore, any vessel thatmaintainswater at
temperatures favorable to growth; such as spas andwhirlpools; and other
sources including stagnantwater infire sprinkler systems andwarmwater
for eye washes and safety showers are at risk. (Source: OSHA Technical
Manual- Section III: Chapter 7)
