After coronavirus, another hidden respiratory disease lurks in the buildings we left behind.

[2greys]

Global outbreaks of coronavirus have forced the closing of schools, gyms, offices and other buildings at a scale never seen before. Now, as countries start reopening after lockdown, those previously abandoned buildings could have become a breeding ground for another infection – Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease is caused by inhaling water droplets that contain the Legionella pneumophilia bacteria. It’s quite rare, but the long periods of inactivity in buildings during lockdown greatly increases the risk of outbreaks.

theconversation.com/after-c...

[Kristicats]

Wow yes a real problem with any sink , air con etc that hasn’t been used for a while

[HungryHufflepuff]

All hotels in Scotland are shut and have been since some time in March. They think they're reopening in July. So that's quite a long time to have been shut. Already apparently the hot water tanks are a potential hazard for legionnaires disease. I'm hoping they'll all be properly cleaned or whatever needs doing to sanitise them.

[cofdrop-UK]

Another good find 2g.. This is all we need☹️x

[Carnival567]

It’s recommended that the taps should be run for long enough for the pipes etc to be completely cleared of stagnant water.

[2greys in reply to Carnival567]

The 64 dollar question, how long will they have to be run for and will they comply with that requirement. Commercial metered water is at a higher cost than domestic rates are. At least they were with my workshop, when I owned it. I can see a few instances where it will not be, businesses that have survived the lockdown will still be financial hogtied.

[Carnival567 in reply to 2greys]

Yes of course an ideal, but given all the people not abiding by social distancing and other advice you can only hope for the best. I understand exactly what you mean!

[crashdoll]

That’s worrying. I know someone who spent 3 months in ITU with a tracheostomy etc due to this. She was in her 30s, previously healthy and remains impaired and unwell years later. Please keep safe everyone. 🌺🌼

[Oshgosh]

OMG,never thought of that.

Systems will need extensive temperature checks etc.

I hope some one. Ompetent is in charge of this.

Legionnaires can be a killer

[MoyB]

My daughter works in a school that has been closed (of course) and has been going in weekly to run all the taps as per the H&S requirement. I would guess many places have this in place, but not all. xx Moy

[Ergendl]

The business networks I belong to are running webinars from the water boards about cleaning and flushing stagnant systems after prolonged inactivity, so I would expect most establishments like hotels and restaurants, offices and factories that have been idle, will include actions towards this as part of their safe practice recovery plans..

[2greys in reply to Ergendl]

The problem is that in an ideal world they will all follow "best practice", unfortunately we don't and there will always be the few that want to cut corners to save money.

[Ergendl in reply to 2greys]

True, but at least the issue is on the radar. We can ask if companies we want to use have made those precautionary actions to freshen the water supplies in their premises.

[Sharp5Flat13 in reply to 2greys]

Unfortunately, yes.

[knitter]

Aren’t public buildings water supplies regularly tested by inspectors .

I remember being in a local library while the inspectors were in .

Domestic hot water supplies have to be a certain temperature to combat legionnaires so my supplier said when I had a new boiler. But the water is too hot , I think I valve can be fitted to help.

Clean shower heads regularly too.

And hot tubs .

[Sops]

hi, now i understand why i received a government information directive on Legionnaires disease, than you for raising this important topic.

sops