Legionella Bacteria Technical Bulletin

What is Legionella bacteria? Legionellosis is a respiratory disease that can lead to the development at low concentrations. The bacterium can multiply and thrive in water of pneumonia caused by the inhalation of Legionella bacteria. The systems where water movement is stagnant and temperatures range bacteria can infect the lungs, causing a form of pneumonia called between 68°F–122°F. Exposure to the bacteria generally occurs by Legionnaire’s disease, or these bacteria can cause a less serious respira- inhalation of contaminated airborne respirable water droplets from tory infection with symptoms that resemble a mild case of the flu, systems such as cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, hot water tanks, commonly referred to as Pontiac fever. TheLegionella bacterium was humidifiers, misters and decorative fountains. Exposure to the named after a 1976 outbreak at the Philadelphia convention of the bacteria can also occur via aspiration of drinking water. The bacteria American Legion, where an estimated 130 people were hospitalized cannot be spread from person to person or be contracted from and 25 died as a result of exposure to the bacteria. normal ingestion of contaminated water. Legionnaire’s disease is often hard to diagnose because symptoms Who needs to be protected? such as cough, high fever, shortness of breath and muscle aches resemble infections caused by other organisms such as influenza and As a general precaution, individuals with an increased risk of other forms of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms of Legionnaire’s infection should avoid situations that increase the probability of disease generally present themselves as early as two days or within exposure; more specifically, where inhalation of water vapor or mists two weeks of exposure. Legionnaire’s disease is more likely to be created by contaminated water systems can occur. Legionnaire’s developed by immunocompromised and elderly populations. It can disease is more likely to be developed among immunocompromised be treated with antibiotics; however, approximately 15 percent of and elderly populations. As public awareness of Legionella infections people who contract the disease die from the infection. has increased, public health and consensus organizations have begun to mandate or recommend risk management standards to Pontiac fever can also present symptoms similar to Legionnaire’s disease prevent infection. but is not a form of pneumonia. Symptoms of exposure can present within a few hours or up to three days after exposure, and generally last In general industry, maintenance workers or those who come in up to one week. Antibiotics are generally not needed for treatment. direct contact with potentially contaminated water systems should be educated and trained in the prevention of Legionella proliferation. Maintenance workers should also understand how to utilize How is Legionella bacteria spread? engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) to Legionella bacteria can be found in the environment, in natural and prevent community and personal exposures during routine operations man-made water systems, including streams, rivers, ponds and lakes and maintenance of water systems. What protective apparel is available? Tyvek® 800 J fabric and its taped over seams have been tested and The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Society of passed the requirements of European Standard EN 14126 (Protection Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Against Infective Agents), including resistance to penetration by blood in conjunction with other professional and public health organiza- and body fluids using synthetic blood (ISO 16603) and resistance to penetration by blood-borne pathogens using Phi-X174 bacteriophage tions provide guidance on Legionella risk management and provide disinfectant or treatment procedures. Each organization generally (ISO 16604). promotes the use of chemical, thermal or other methods to disinfect Tychem® QC fabric and its taped seams have been tested and passed contaminated water systems. Sodium hypochlorite, chlorine or other the requirements of North America ASTM Standards F1670 and biocide chemicals have been proven to sufficiently decontaminate ASTM F1671. affected water systems. • ASTM F1670 – Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood • ASTM F1671 – Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials The selection of Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens appropriate PPE (including Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System respiratory, eye, head, foot and hand protection) For details, the standard test methods are available for purchase at: is the responsibility of the ASTM F1670: http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1670.htm end user and must be made ASTM F1671: http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1671.htm following a thorough hazard assessment of References: the work tasks and the environment. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) DuPont™ DuPont™ http://www.cdc.gov/legionella/index.html Tyvek® 800 J Tychem® QC http://www.cdc.gov/about/pdf/facts/cdcdiscovery/discoveries- series---legionnaires.pdf Both DuPont™ Tyvek® 800 J and DuPont™ Tychem® QC fabrics are Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) available in disposable coverall designs that may be suitable for the https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/legionnaires disinfection of Legionella in contaminated water systems. Tyvek® 800 J World Health Organization (WHO) provides the strength and durability of Tyvek® fabric. Tyvek® 800 J http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/ coveralls are suitable in applications such as industrial cleaning, waste legionella.pdf treatment and disposal, and environmental remediation with a barrier that resists low concentration, water-based and inorganic chemicals. America Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Tychem® QC offers the added protection of a polyethylene coating Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) over Tyvek® fabric. ashrae.org If during any of the high-contact activities, especially cleaning, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 disinfecting and decontaminating, exposure to moderate to large Association of Water Technologies (AWT) volumes of liquid is anticipated, both taped seam garments may be https://www.awt.org/pub/035C2942-03BE-3BFF-08C3- appropriate to reduce the risk of liquid contact. 4C686FB7395C

This information is based upon technical data that DuPont believes to be reliable. It is subject to revision as additional knowledge and experience are gained. DuPont makes no guarantee of results and assumes no obligations or liability in connection with this information. It is the user’s responsibility to determine the level of toxicity and the proper personal protective equipment needed. The information set forth herein reflects laboratory performance of fabrics, not complete garments, under controlled conditions. It is intended for information use by persons having technical skill for evaluation under their specific end-use conditions, at their own discretion and risk.

Anyone intending to use this information should first verify that the garment selected is suitable for SafeSPEC.DuPont.com the intended use. In many cases, seams and closures have shorter breakthrough times and higher permeation rates than the fabric. If fabric becomes torn, abraded or punctured, end user should discontinue use of garment to avoid compromising the barrier protection. SINCE CONDITIONS OF USE ARE OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL, WE MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, NO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE AND ASSUME DuPont Personal Protection NO LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OF THIS INFORMATION. This information is not intended Customer Service: as a license to operate under or a recommendation to infringe any patent, trademark or technical information of DuPont or others covering any material or its use. United States 1-800-931-3456

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