The President's Message

Thank you Kansas City Chapter for another large turnout (114) at the April meeting. Our speaker (Dr. Janet Stout) presented “Legionella and Other Water Borne Pathogens: What’s in Your Water?”

Dr. Janet E. Stout from The Special Pathogens Laboratory discussed Waterborne Pathogens at the April 2008 ASHRAE meeting. When considering designs of water systems, water born pathogens such as Legionella continue to be overlooked. Dr. Stout warns that the myth “Legionella is costly to control” is a dangerous one to consider because the cost of over looking the bacteria has far greater consequence. A study from a hospital with an outbreak of Legionella reported approximately $1,000,000 worth of damage and efforts to control and kill the deadly bacteria over that time. Automatic faucets were found to be the source of the problem with high rates of Legionella. These fixtures were an ideal source because of low water flow and a low hot water temperature. The outcome was the removal of all automatic faucets in the hospital.

Studies have shown that Legionella mainly affects the very young and the very old; however, transmission may happen to anyone through aerosolization, aspiration, and direct instillation. Legionella is often hard to diagnose because of its multi-symptom tendencies. Legionella may be treated by drugs prescribed by a doctor but preventative measures can be taken to control the bacteria before it reaches the host. Water above 140 deg. F may reduce Legionella but will not eliminate it. A combination of copper-silver ionization on the hot water side, thermal shock treatment, and chlorine dioxide treatment is the best way to disinfect a water system; however it is recommended to consult the new ASHRAE guideline on how to affectively control Legionella.

We have had a great year full of excellent speakers and high attendance numbers. I want to thank all of the chapter officers and board members as well as many other people who volunteer their time to make this chapter successful. We voted in the officers for next chapter year which begins July 1. I’m sure many of you will enjoy the golf tourney May 5th.

Sincerely,
Jim Burger

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