How Do You Prevent Legionella Pneumonia In Swamp Coolers?
Legionella pneumophila is an aquatic bacterium that is present almost everywhere in the environment where there is water. Swamp coolers use water evaporation to cool the air going into a building. As a result, swamp coolers may harbor the Legionella bacteria and blow it into the building’s air systems. Legionella causes two syndromes: an uncomplicated flulike illness (Pontiac fever) which clears up on its own, and a bacterial pneumonia (Legionnaires’ Disease) capable of killing a person and requiring antibiotics to cure. Proper care and maintenance of swamp coolers may prevent the bacteria from growing in them and causing disease to occupants of the buildings. Clean the swamp cooler according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Replace the cooling pads to make sure that any bacteria colonizing the pads are disposed of. Disinfect the water reservoir with a chlorine bleach solution of at least 10 percent, or any other cleaning solvent guaranteed to kill bacteria. Use a demineralizing
