The recent Legionnaires’ Disease outbreak in New York City has sickened more than 100 people resulting in hospitalizations and four confirmed deaths. The infectious bacteria that caused the illnesses was found in air-conditioning system components in buildings linked to the patients. While this has caused concern across the country, Legionnaires’ Disease typically thrives in very large HVAC systems that use cooling towers. Home systems and small building systems have no or very low incidence of this bacteria.
What Causes Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ Disease is a form of pneumonia that is particularly dangerous for older adults, immunocomprised people, and cigarette smokers. It is contracted by breathing in tiny water droplets that contain Legionella bacterium. Legionnella is a bacterium that is naturally occurring in bodies of water and soil. However, it seems to be rare to contract Legionnaire’s Disease from these natural sources.
Legionnella bacterium that survives going through a water treatment plant may wind up in large-scale HVAC systems. This bacteria thrives in these air-conditioning systems that use cooling towers, like those found on tall buildings. In fact, the bacteria is named after a severe outbreak at an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia in 1976. The convention was held at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel. Legionnella bacterium living in the air conditioner’s cooling tower was found to be the cause.
Home air conditioning systems are likely safe from Legionella growth because they don’t have cooling towers where the bacteria can thrive. Those who live in apartment/condo complexes and people who work in buildings with large air-conditioning systems that utilize cooling towers would be more at risk. Legionnaires’ Disease has been rising in the last decade, but there are only between a few thousand and 25,000 reported cases annually.
How Did the Outbreak Happen?
In this recent New York City outbreak’s investigation, several buildings in the Harlem neighborhood were identified as having cooling towers behind on being tested for Legionella (which was required). The systems that contained the bacteria have already been disinfected and repaired.
Bacteria, algae, fungi, and other organisms thrive in every HVAC system, however. Dust and debris circumvents air filters and enters the system. The organisms thrive in the moist, dark environment. Condensation that flows off of the coils is a breeding ground for them. As condensate flows out through the output line, bacteria can attach to the walls of the line and grow into a clog. Condensate will backflow into the pan, possibly causing a flooding event.
What Prevents Bacteria in My Air Conditioner?
There are steps to take to decrease the amount of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other organisms in your air-conditioning system. Regularly change out your air filters, allow fresh outdoor air into the home occasionally, schedule routine maintenance to check for any system issues, and consider installing eTrapp Condensate Treatment System.
eTrapp is a permanent solution to kill bacteria, fungi, and algae in the condensate liquid. It keeps the condensate line clear of clogs so condensate doesn’t build up in the system. Get in touch with the eTrapp Team at info@edeltainc.com to learn more.