Legionella in the Workplace – A Workshop

Orlando, FL -- Legionnaires' disease (the most severe form of Legionellosis) is a form of pneumonia that is caused by inhalation or aspiration of bacteria that belong to the family Legionellaceae. This family includes 48 species and 70 serogroups. Legionellosis is most commonly linked to exposure to Legionella pneumophila, however, other species (e.g. L. micdadei, L. anisa ) can cause the disease as well. An outbreak of serious pulmonary infections among people attending a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia during the US Bicentennial celebration in July 1976 prompted the description of Legionnaires disease and its causative organism, Legionella pneumophila.

Legionella pneumophila is a naturally occurring water bacterium. Legionella is found in lakes, streams, rivers, groundwater’s, and even some soils. It can escape water plant chlorination treatment and is thus found in domestic (potable) water plumbing and other water-use systems (e.g., commercial, industrial, process, HVAC systems, and cooling towers). In many of these systems, it finds conditions that favor a disease risk. Typical suspect areas, what to expect, and how to project a positive resolution are important steps to the diagnosis.

A component of the risk evaluation for any potential environmental concern in a building is the decision of how far to go in inspection and testing for hazardous materials, including evidence of Legionella sp. bacteria. The level risk determines the appropriate level of inspection and testing. In turn, the level of risk is comprised of several factors: the known history of the building, the visual observation of building conditions, and the vulnerability or health fragility of building occupants. Quantitative testing and sampling is needed to accurately do a risk assessment.

The presenters are:

• Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay, Pure Air Control Services/EDLAB - Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay CIAQP, FAIS, is the Senior Microbiologist and Laboratory Manager of Pure Air Control Services /EDLAB. Dr. Sahay has had more than 12 years of experience at doctoral and postdoctoral level in experimental and analytical research pertaining to the biological and environmental sciences.

• Rick Ruckstuhl, President of Engineered Water Systems. Mr. Ruckstuhl entered the water treatment chemicals business in 1980 after spending 20 years designing and servicing water systems and chemical treatment for water systems at customers such as Chevron, Mobil Oil, Duke Management, Texaco, Litton Laser, Sprint Telephone, Lincoln Properties and Trammell Crow. He has a degree in zoology and started Waterhouse Corporation in 2001.

Where: Residence Inn, Lake Mary Florida

When: Friday, November 6, 2009 NOON – 4:30 p.m.

How Much: IAQA Members - $119, Non-Members - $129, or "at the door"- $149 Fees include morning coffee,  Lunch, handouts and afternoon break. Limited Space is available.

Sponsored by: IAQA Workshop - Orlando Florida Chapter, CEU’s are available

Call 407-562-1625 Marlene Linders, CACA Chapter Director iaqa@phildersgroup.net or 800-422-7873 ext 802 Alan Wozniak, President of Pure Air Control Services awozniak@pureaircontrols.com for more information.

The workshop will have Q&A, so you will have an opportunity to discuss your own ideas and learn from your peers. You won’t want to miss this once in lifetime seminar with the very architects of the new standard!!! Register early.