News / Green
Legionnaires’ Bacteria Found in New Hong Kong Federal Building
Dr. Rajiv Sahay, Laboratory Director at EDLab stated “The expansive and expensive Hong Kong government building is an example that Legionella bacteria can be found even in new, high tech buildings and older buildings. The bacteria can cause significant health implications to those affected.”
Hong Kong - Construction of the new government headquarters began in 2008 and was completed in August 2011. About 3,000 civil servants from the offices of the chief executive, financial secretary and 12 policy bureaus were expected to move in by the end of 2011. Legionella bacteria was discovered in water samples taken from nine different locations in the city’s new government building. Traces of Legionella bacteria were found to be up to 14 times above acceptable levels, reports the BBC.
Dr. Rajiv Sahay, Laboratory Director at EDLab stated “The expansive and expensive Hong Kong government building is an example that Legionella bacteria can be found even in new, high tech buildings and older buildings. The bacteria can cause significant health implications to those affected.”
There were 17 cases of the disease in Hong Kong in 2011, according to the Centre for Health Protection. Between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires’ disease in the U.S. each year, according to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. The disease is spread through inhalation of the bacteria, and not person-to-person contact, according to the website. Legionella bacteria can multiply in indoor water systems, such as hot tubs, air conditioners and mist sprayers in grocery-store produce departments.
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include chills, confusion and gastrointestinal indications, according to the Mayo Clinic website. According to DCD most cases of the illness can be treated with antibiotics. The bacteria usually attack those with existing illnesses such as chronic lung disease.
Environmental Diagnostics laboratory (EDLab) is one of a few AHIA accredited environmental microbiological laboratories that is also CDC Elite proficient, the highest laboratory standard. For information on testing your buildings bacterial/Legionella condition contact EDLab at 1-800-422-7873 ext 802. Legionella DIY kits are also available at www.INDOORAIRTEST.com
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