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Legionnaire's Disease (Legionellosis) and Evaporative Cooling System Maintenance Recommendations

What is Legionnaire's Disease

It is a bacterial infection that is characterized by pneumonia. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), legionnaire's disease is caused by bacteria known as Legionella pneumophila. There are at least 43 species of legionella however, it is the Legionella pneumophila strain that causes over 90% of legionnaire disease deaths.

In the United States, it is estimated that as many as 18,000 cases occur each year. Death results in 5 - 15% of the cases.

Legionella are commonly found in low concentrations in both natural and unnatural (man-made) aquatic environments. Within unnatural environments, where water is used in an evaporative heat exchange process, warm temperatures combined with poorly treated cooling water can create an environment ideal for proliferation of this deadly bacteria.

Because cooling towers, evaporative condensers and chillers are highly efficient at drawing large volumes of air to support the evaporative cooling process, airborne organic material such as leaves, insects, pollen, birds, cotton wood and other debris is usually drawn into the water system and if not maintained can accumulate, decompose and contribute to system fouling and microbial growth including legionella pneumophila.

Ideal conditions for legionella proliferation include water temperatures between 77 - 108 degrees Fahrenheit (25 - 42 degrees Centigrade), presence of organic debris, sediment, scale, stagnant conditions and presence of amoebae. Legionella naturally preys on amoebae and incidentally prey on phagocytic cells (part of human immune system) when inhaled thus leading to Legionnaire's Disease. The legionella bacteria is transmitted by aerosol (mist) from devices such as cooling towers showers and faucets and aspiration of contaminated water. Person-to-Person transmission does not occur.

Controlling Legionella in Cooling Towers & Evaporative Cooling Systems.

Based upon a six-year committee effort, ASHRAE board of directors approved guidelines (known as guideline 12) that provides environmental and operational guidelines for maintaining safe evaporative water cooling systems. The guidelines are intended for use by: commercial cooling system designers, maintenance engineers, equipment manufactures, owners, operators and users.

Key Maintenance Recommendations (Guideline 12)

• Keep system clean using a microbial treatment program.
• Use a qualified water treatment consultant to establish and oversee a water treatment program.
• Keep system free of debris that can contribute to the food source for legionella. (Air Intake Filters can help to control debris and organic material build-up).
• Inspect and clean cooling equipment if it is found to have a build-up of dirt, organic matter or other debris.
• Inspect drift eliminators and clean or replace as needed.
• Keep maintenance and operational records that include equipment manufacturers maintenance manuals, description and dates of the water treatment program, inspection dates, MSDS documentation on all treatment chemicals, equipment repair records including dates, system water volume records, and the names and phone numbers of individuals responsible for system start-up, maintenance and shut-down.

Cooling Tower Locations Recommendations (Guideline 12)

• Locate cooling towers far from fresh air intakes and windows that can be opened.
• Consider prevailing wind direction and don't locate upwind or upstream of outdoor public areas.
• Don't locate in areas that can contribute debris and organic material.
• Consider the direction of prevailing winds and don't locate upstreamof any outdoor public areas.
• Consider future construction, including that on nearby sites.

Air Solution Company developed and patented the first Air Intake Filter specifically engineered to mount to the outside of cooling towers and other HVAC equipment for purposes of stopping the debris before it entered into the system. Since that time, Air Solution Company has been manufacturing and has introduced a variety of other innovative filter systems including its new Fine Mesh Filter which is engineered for use on small and medium size refrigeration coils and machine fan intake housing units. Air Solution Company Randy Simmons is with Air Solution Company, author of articles can be reached at http://www.airsolutioncompany.com

If approached by a drug-abused attacker, would you know what to do? Dont risk you or your familys safety. save yourself hundreds of dollars in self-defense classes, and consider always having pepper spray in you purse or bag.

Pepper spray, used by law enforcement officials throughout the world, has long been used as an effective deterrent against all would-be criminals. Once hit by a shot of pepper spray, your would-be attacker will think twice about trying to approach you again. Quite simply, pepper spray is one of the most effective self-defense products on the market today.

There is an important difference between tear gas and pepper spray. There are three major chemicals used in different types of defensive sprays. The first two are known as CS and CN more commonly known to the public as tear gas. These man-made chemicals are designed to irritate the membrane which include the eyes, nose, throat, and lung tissues. When received in large quantities these chemicals cause the heavy flow of tears and can produce mucus.

However, pepper spray works in a different way. Firstly, the reaction to pepper spray is completely involuntary and is not dependent on pain response. As a result, pepper spray is most effective on those who do not feel pain, such as psychotics, drug abusers, and drunks. Pepper spray is also and effective way to control wild animals whereas in any of these situations, tear gas is not effective.

There are several other differences between pepper spray and tear gas. Tear gas vaporizes to some extent. Whereas pepper spray does not emit fumes and it will not deteriorate with age. However, unlike tear gas, pepper spray must be sprayed into the eyes or inhaled directly to be effective. Also, pepper spray works faster than tear gas to subdue a victim.

There are many different benefits to using pepper spray as a self-defense tool. Firstly, pepper spray is a non-lethal and extremely effective self-defense tool when sprayed in the facial area or eyes. It can put a safe distance between you and an attacker and gives you plenty of time to escape and seek help. Also, pepper spray is one of the most economical ways of protecting yourself and is not typically restricted by law. Due to the non-lethal nature of pepper spray, a permit is not usually required to carry it.

There are several different ways to measure the effectiveness of your pepper spray, which you should keep in mind when you plan to buy pepper spray. Pepper spray is rated in two separate ways: the OC% and SHU rating. The percentage sign you see on the side of the package (15%, 20% etc.) explains the hotness of the pepper spray relative to the rest of the ingredients. Also, if you look at the ingredients, the more capsaicin content the OC has, the hotter and more effective the spray will be. check also to see the expiration date on the side of the canister to see how old it is the older the can the less effective the spray.

Because pepper spray is economical, effective, and used by people all around the world as a tool of self-defense, it is important to consider purchasing it when considering a tool designed to protect you and your family. Just think, when approached by an attacker, will you be ready?

BLJ's Enterprises is a top provider of self defense tools, including stun gun flashlights, in the united States. At their website, http://www.bljsselfdefense.com you will find quality products as well as free in-depth information regarding personal protection. Because BLJ's Enterprises is dedicated to matching everyone with the right self defense method, customer comments and questions can be directed to the owner, Barry Jenkins himself, at barry@bljsselfdefense.com