Tips for reducing Legionnaires’ disease and mold risks

Mold, Legionella, and other microbes can grow in buildings with excess moisture and stagnant water. These microscopic agents can cause a range of illnesses, from mild allergies to acute respiratory illness.

By understanding the risks posed by these microbes and implementing preventive measures, building owners and managers can create healthier indoor environments for occupants.

Legionella

Legionella grows primarily in stagnant or standing water found in unused plumbing and other inadequately maintained building water systems.  

Legionella health risks. Inhaling Legionella bacteria from aerosolized water can cause Legionnaires’ disease. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. Its symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headache. Legionnaires’ disease has a case-fatality rate of about 10%.¹

Mold

Moisture intrusion from the exterior building envelope, internal moisture sources, and elevated relative humidity can all give rise to mold growth within buildings on materials such as carpet, wallboard and other furnishings.

Mold health risks. Elevated indoor mold concentrations most commonly result in allergy health symptoms, such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. People with asthma or comprised immune systems can develop more serious illnesses, including respiratory infections and sinusitis. Some molds also produce mycotoxins, which are associated with a range of adverse health effects when found in high concentrations.  

You can minimize the risks of Legionella by implementing a water management program in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 188, minimizing stagnation of water systems during periods of minimal occupancy, and performing regular maintenance on the following three areas:

• Water systems. Flush hot- and cold-water systems through all points of use, including sinks, showers, and toilets. Allow hot water systems to reach their maximum temperature (but avoid scalding risks!). Minimize splashing and aerosol generation during flushing. Systems that have been stagnant for long periods of time may require more advanced disinfection measures.  
• Cooling towers. HVAC systems that use cooling towers can have Legionella that proliferates when not treated properly or are operated at a reduced capacity. Before reopening facilities, be sure to deep clean cooling towers following manufacturers’ guidelines, removing visible slime, debris, and biofilm.
• Water-using equipment. Drain, clean, and disinfect fountains, ice makers, pools, spas, and other water-using equipment that have been idle. Also, flush and treat safety equipment such as fire sprinkler systems and eye wash stations before reopening buildings.

• Identify mold. Visually inspect equipment and surfaces for signs of mold; keep in mind that odor can also indicate the presence of mold. Consider retaining a building and environmental health professional to determine what steps can be taken to limit moisture in your offices or facility and consider developing and implementing a formal plan for mold and moisture control. Environmental sampling can also be conducted by accredited professional to determine the presence and severity of mold.
• Clean, repair, and replace. Clean surfaces of mold and replace any materials that cannot be sufficiently cleaned prior to re-occupancy. Any remediation should be conducted in accordance with EPA’s Guideline, Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings and in accordance with any state-licensing regulations.   

For more information on Legionella risk, see: Reducing the Risk of Legionnaire’s Disease.  

For more information about protecting your business, visit our Risk Engineering Services.