While Legionella bacteria occur naturally in freshwater environments, they pose a health risk when they proliferate in cooling towers, plumbing systems and other building water systems. Industries must implement routine preventive maintenance to ensure safe working environments.
At Chardon Laboratories, we provide effective Legionella control strategies based on ASSE 12080 and ASHRAE Standard 188 guidelines. Our service managers will help you identify the factors encouraging Legionella growth in your facility. We also test water samples and develop strategic management plans.
Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, low-water-flow environments. Scale or sediments in water systems can also encourage their growth. Legionella multiplies quickly in these conditions, posing a risk to human health. The elderly and other individuals with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of infection when they breathe in small water droplets containing the bacteria.
Legionella bacteria’s impact as a human pathogen was recognized in 1976 when a mysterious pneumonia outbreak struck members of the Pennsylvania American Legion. The pneumonia type became known as Legionnaires’ disease. The bacteria can also cause Pontiac fever, a mild respiratory disease.
Legionnaires’ disease symptoms manifest two to 14 days after exposure. They include coughs, headaches, fever, muscle aches and shortness of breath. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10 to 15 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in the U.S., Europe and Australia per million population annually.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dealt with 12 such cases from November 2022 to June 2024. In New York State, between 200 and 800 cases are recorded yearly. These statistics indicate the importance of performing routine Legionella preventive maintenance for worker and public health safety.
Chardon Labs is your trusted partner in developing and implementing effective water management plans to avoid Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Our comprehensive Legionella control services include:
We evaluate your facility’s water systems to identify potential areas for Legionella growth. Our ASSE 12080-certified service managers physically inspect cooling towers and other areas with optimal temperatures for bacterial growth. We also review:
Based on the inspection findings, our experts will collect water samples for testing. Our testing practices follow the Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) procedures.
If your systems have higher-than-acceptable Legionella levels, we’ll remediate the problem with a chlorine treatment plan. Our experts will also superheat the system and flush it to kill the bacteria.
To control Legionella growth, we’ll tailor a water management plan that:
We frequently monitor and test water systems to verify the effectiveness of the management plan. The results of these practices allow us to adjust our strategies for optimal results.
Employee awareness is critical in controlling Legionella. Our service managers can train your team on best practices to maximize the effectiveness of the management plan. The education program covers what it is, how it spreads, the health risks, how to respond to positive results and other crucial details.
“I have been extremely happy with the service provided by Chardon Laboratories. Domonic has been very helpful with all aspects of our systems, especially concerning Cooling Towers. My hope is that we can continue to keep working together for a…
Since 1965, Chardon Labs has helped many industries maintain clean systems, maximizing their potential for operational success. Our exceptional service quality has allowed us to build a reputation for meeting client expectations.
Businesses count on us because we tailor our solutions to their needs and comply with regulatory and industry standards. We have also invested in a qualified team and an employee-owned business model for continued quality.
Contact us today to take proactive steps to protect your crew from Legionnaires’ disease. Our certified experts are ready to help you maintain a safe water system.
