Q&A with Alex Peck, Â鶹TVÍøÕ¾ National Director of Industrial Hygiene & Building ScienceÌý

What isÌýLegionella,Ìýand why is it dangerous?

In 1976,Ìýone of the topÌýnewsÌýstories was theÌýmysterious pneumoniaÌýoutbreak at the landmark Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.ÌýÌý

Approximately 4,000 representatives from the stateÌýAmerican Legion metÌýfor a bicentennial conventionÌýat the hotelÌýthatÌýJuly.ÌýThe meeting went off without any issues, but several daysÌýfollowing the event,Ìýhundreds ofÌýattendeesÌýbegan coming down with pneumonia-like symptoms.ÌýBy August,ÌýapproximatelyÌý30 people hadÌýdiedÌýfrom complications. Following the outbreak, a research microbiologist fromÌýthe Center forÌýDiseaseÌýControl and Prevention (CDC) determined the cause to be aÌýnewÌýbacterium, known today asÌýLegionellaÌýpneumophilia, which is commonlyÌýfound in water pipes and air conditioning units.ÌýÌý

This first outbreakÌýidentifiedÌýaÌýpublic healthÌýthreatÌýforÌýlarge facilities like hotelsÌýand hospitals, where waterÌýmoves slowly through a complex web of pipes, valves and other plumbing fixtures, and the threat is still veryÌýreal today.ÌýYearly outbreaks ofÌýLegionnaire’s diseaseÌýand Pontiac feverÌý(a milder case ofÌýlegionellosis)Ìýoccur,Ìýincluding recent casesÌýinÌýCalifornia,ÌýNew YorkÌýand Florida.ÌýÌý

While the threat is realÌýand likely increasingÌýdue to a combination of increased surveillance, aging populations, increased urban densityÌýandÌýwarmer temperaturesÌýthat create a prime environment for increased bacteria growthÌý(especially inÌýAmerica’sÌýagingÌýbuildings and their waterÌýsystems), it is imperative for businesses to focus on prevention, rather than mitigation.ÌýÌýNot only is prevention less costly,Ìýbut itÌýcanÌýmost importantly helpÌýsave livesÌýandÌýprotect yourÌýcompany’s reputation.ÌýNot to mention, outbreaks can lead to extended closures and loss of business, which can be costly too.ÌýÌý

Is Legionnaire’sÌýdisease preventable?ÌýÌý

Yes, Legionnaire’s disease is preventable if businesses take proper precautions toÌýmaintainÌýtheir water systems.ÌýThe CDC reported 6,000 cases in 2015Ìýand predicts annual cases range from 10,000 to 15,000.ÌýÌý

How can your business protect itself fromÌýlegionella outbreaks in your facilities?ÌýÌý​

LegionellaÌýoutbreaks are likely to occur in buildings withÌýlarge,Ìýcomplex water systems, such as hospitals, nursing homes,Ìýhotels, office buildings,ÌýmanufacturingÌýfacilitiesÌýand inÌýengineered water systems like cooling towers, waterÌýfountainsÌýand hot tubs.ÌýÌý

The mostÌýcommonÌýplacesÌýto breed bacterial growth include:Ìý

• Cooling towers.Ìý

• Water features (falls, foundations, ponds, misters).Ìý

• Swimming pools and hot tubs.Ìý

• Drinking water fountains.Ìý

• Aging water systems.Ìý

• Unused plumbing.Ìý

• Ice machines.Ìý

• Water heating and hot water distribution.Ìý

• Shower heads and faucets.Ìý

However, by conducting formal evaluations toÌýidentifyÌýplacesÌýwhereÌýLegionellaÌýgrowthÌýis likely to occur in your facility, you can proactively mitigate your risk by taking a basic approachÌýthat involves:Ìý

• CreatingÌýa team.Ìý

• DiagramingÌýwater systems.Ìý

• EvaluatingÌýsystems for risks.Ìý

• ImplementingÌýcontrols.Ìý

• MonitoringÌýcorrective actions.Ìý

• AssessingÌýprogram effectiveness.Ìý

• Documentation.Ìý

How is Legionella regulated?ÌýÌý​

Unfortunately,ÌýnotÌýmanyÌýregulations specific toÌýLegionellaÌý(although the number is increasing)Ìýexist, and currently no federal regulationsÌýare in place.ÌýTheÌýCenters for Medicare and MedicaidÌýServices (CMS)Ìýhas issued aÌýmemoÌýthat requiresÌýall Medicaid facilitiesÌýnationallyÌýto develop andÌýmaintainÌýaÌýLegionellaÌýmanagement program,Ìýin accordance withÌýtheÌýCDC recommendations.ÌýÌý

Some state agencies have adopted their ownÌýLegionellaÌýregulations.ÌýFor instance, in 2015 and 2016, New York published rules for cooling towers and medical facilities, whichÌýinclude registration of cooling towers, monitoring, notification,ÌýmaintenanceÌýand reporting.ÌýÌý

More recently,ÌýNew JerseyÌýpassedÌýaÌýcomprehensiveÌýrule,ÌýrequiringÌýcommunity water systems toÌýalwaysÌýmaintainÌýa minimum detectable disinfectantÌýlevel inÌýall active parts ofÌýitsÌýpublic water system.ÌýThisÌýlawÌýalsoÌýrequires owners or operators of covered buildings or facilities (including hospitals, certain health care facilities,ÌýprisonsÌýand certain senior housing facilities) to develop a water management program to minimize the growth of L±ð²µ¾±´Ç²Ô±ð±ô±ô²¹â€¯bacteria in the facility’s water system and to include periodic sampling and testing for the presence of bacteria. It also includes fines for non-compliance.ÌýWhile some state regulations exist, more can be done to protect public health.Ìý

What is Â鶹TVÍøվ’ Experience in Addressing Legionella?Ìý

Â鶹TVÍøվ’ team of highly qualifiedÌýindustrial hygiene and building science experts have worked with businessesÌýand organizationsÌýfor many years to mitigate the potential risk ofÌýLegionella.ÌýOur teamÌýhelps byÌýcreatingÌýwater management plans,Ìýas well asÌýconductingÌýsamplingÌýto identifyÌýLegionellaÌýand makeÌýrecommendations to helpÌýmitigateÌýanyÌýissues.Ìý

Â鶹TVÍøÕ¾ recently helped aÌý25-storyÌýoffice building by performing initial water sampling.ÌýWeÌýidentifiedÌýLegionellaÌýin one of the kitchen sinks. Our team helpedÌýthe client remediate the issue until theÌýLegionellaÌýbacteria wereÌýgone.ÌýÌý

We have many case studies like this; however,Ìýto understand the real risks,ÌýweÌýconsiderÌýseveral factors.ÌýThis might includeÌýthe number and age ofÌýwater and plumbingÌýfixtures, as well as how the systems have been maintained.ÌýFor example, a hotel has moreÌýriskÌýthan an office, and an old hotelÌýis more likely to haveÌýconditions favoringÌýLegionellaÌýgrowthÌýthan a newly constructed hotel. Also, occupants of a retirement community are more likely to be susceptible toÌýLegionellosis disease than the occupants of a high school.ÌýÌý

If you are curious as to whether your business might be at risk for aÌýLegionellaÌýoutbreak, justÌýremember,ÌýifÌýa building hasÌýaÌýwater system, there is a risk forÌýLegionellaÌýgrowth. While there areÌýnumerousÌýfactors at play, the key to preventingÌýLegionellaÌýgrowth isÌýmaintainingÌýproper water quality,ÌýdisinfectionÌýresiduals, temperatures and flow-through—all pieces of an effective water management program.ÌýÌý

Source NBC Connecticut | Sign located inside bus promoting safety in Las Vegas.

Aftermath of homes from the wildfires in Lahaina.

The EPA has reached a turning point in its effort to transition key industries away from asbestos. Here’s what’s known about the final rule, which could go into effect as early as April.

The United States recently announced a ban on the only type of raw asbestos fiber imported into the country. This ban is not a standalone measure but part of a that will see a phased approach to eliminating all forms of asbestos and products that contain it.

The phased approach will provide certain manufacturers with a transition period of up to 12 years to phase out the use of asbestos in their products; therefore, the consumer will not see immediate effects.

With the US seeing a sharp reduction in domestic asbestos consumption over the years, the current reliance on imports of this harmful mineral has raised significant concerns among public health advocates.

The decline in asbestos consumption is part of a broader trend that reflects a growing awareness of the health dangers associated with this mineral. The last US asbestos producer ceased operations in 2002, and since then, the nation has exclusively depended on imported asbestos, mainly in the chlor-alkali industry, which accounts for 100% of .

Ban Implications

The immediate effect of the ban will be felt in the asbestos import sector, as the sole remaining type of asbestos fiber, chrysotile, becomes illegal to bring into the country.

Companies that use asbestos in manufacturing have been given a transition period to phase out their use, ranging from two to 12 years depending on the specific application and their facilities. This phased approach allows for an adjustment period, enabling companies to find alternative processes and materials.

However, it’s not without controversy. Many health advocates and professionals argue that this transition period is too generous, potentially prolonging the risks of asbestos exposure in the meantime.

The rule also carves out exemptions, permitting the import of other asbestos types under certain conditions. While this may be necessary to allow for certain critical uses, such as in handcrafted products, it also raises questions about how effectively these uses can be controlled and the potential for misuse.

Historical Context

Asbestos, highly valued for its , was used in a wide array of products during the 20th century. However, evidence linking asbestos exposure to serious respiratory diseases and cancer emerged in the early 1900s, leading to the mineral’s eventual decline in usage.

The history of asbestos in America is also marked by various regulatory attempts to manage its risks. Efforts date back to 1989, when the EPA first attempted to ban most asbestos-containing products.

These initial regulatory actions sparked controversies and legal battles, but they were also instrumental in diminishing asbestos’s presence in American manufacturing and construction. In recent years, legislative initiatives have gained traction, building upon the foundation laid by earlier regulations.

The 2024 asbestos ban not only fulfills long-standing calls for tighter restrictions on asbestos but also represents the country’s first legal limitation on the mineral since the recent overhaul of the in 2016.

Effects on Industry and Advocacy

The ban’s impact on various industries is likely to be significant, particularly for those sectors that have historically relied on asbestos.

Companies in the chlor-alkali industry, for example, which have extensive historical use of asbestos in their manufacturing processes, will face substantial challenges in transitioning away from this material.

The industry’s lobbying efforts reflect deep-seated concerns about the availability and cost of substitute materials, which could have ripple effects on products in the marketplace that are essential to ongoing climate, sustainability, and infrastructure projects.

Still, there are other methods to disinfect water and other ways to produce chlorine; in fact, two-thirds of the chlorine produced in the U.S. is produced without asbestos.

On the advocacy front, the announcement of the ban has been met with a mix of relief and caution. Health advocates prioritize the immediate cessation of all asbestos imports and uses, fearing that the extended phaseout could pose continued risks to workers and the public.

They also argue that the ban’s safety measures are lacking, underscoring the need for enhanced protective regulations and public health awareness.

Asbestos in Buildings

Asbestos was widely used in building materials such as pipe insulation, flooring, wall system components, glues, fireproofing, and many other items until the 1970s.

The new ban does not affect how these existing materials are managed and handled, which has been regulated by the EPA for decades.

Building owners are still required to conduct building inspections to identify and maintain asbestos-containing materials and have them professionally abated prior to building renovations and demolition.

Asbestos Services and Deep Expertise

In response to the new asbestos regulations, companies and government agencies turn to experts in asbestos abatement and safety compliance.

Â鶹TVÍøÕ¾, a leader in environmental consulting, offers vital support to businesses navigating the complexities of asbestos management. Services such as asbestos surveys, air monitoring, operation & maintenance plans, and worker training become essential as industries strive to meet the ban’s requirements.

With the ban poised to reshape industry practices and protect public health, the road ahead is not without its challenges. A cooperative effort between government, industry, and advocacy groups will be essential to realizing a future free from asbestos-related risks.

By upholding the spirit of the asbestos ban, we can ensure that the health and well-being of workers and the public remain at the forefront of our national policies and practices.