Are Legionella Cases Truly on the Rise? Insights on Legionella Trends and Prevention
We have the privilege of welcoming back Janet E. Stout, Ph.D., President of Special Pathogens Technology and the founder of Special Pathogens Laboratory, A Pace Laboratory. Dr. Stout has academic affiliations with the School of Public Health and Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. A self-described "Legionellologist", Dr. Stout's more than 30 years of research has defined the epidemiology, microbiology and prevention approaches for controlling Legionella growth in building water systems. In our most recent interview, Dr. Janet Stout shared what was new with Legionella standards, what state health departments are doing to combat Legionella, and she answers your burning question of “Are Legionella cases truly on the rise” with data and statistics. This is a Legionella episode you cannot afford to miss, so let’s scale up our Legionella knowledge with Dr. Stout. Also, don’t forget to check out our free Legionella Resources page where we have listed all of the articles, standards, and tools mentioned in this interview. What Is New with Legionella Standards? How Does It Impact the Water Treatment Industry? Dr. Stout highlights several key updates: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) TIR34:2023 Published in Fall 2023, TIR34 focuses on water quality for reprocessing medical devices. Dr. Stout emphasizes, "The problem is infection. The solution is the quality of the water." "There are clear chemical and microbial parameters, and these healthcare facilities need your assistance, water professionals," Dr. Stout encourages. ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 This new standard, “Water for the processing of medical devices,” emphasizes the critical role of monitoring water quality to prevent microbial proliferation. ST108 is a significant step forward for patient safety. “I see so many positive indications of progress and prevention, and that’s good for everyone,” shares Dr. Stout. General Services Administration (GSA) Order PBS 1000.7A Effective in 2024, this order mandates comprehensive water testing across federal buildings to ensure health and safety. It includes stringent testing protocols for contaminants like Legionella. Compliance requires professionals to hold certifications such as ASSE 12080 or be certified industrial hygienists (CIH). Dr. Stout remarks, "It's such a big deal that you have to be ASSE 12080 certified to service government buildings now, I’m really impressed by GSA." American Water Works Association (AWWA) Guidance Set to be updated in 2024 or 2025, the new standard will replace AWWA C651-C652 and will likely be titled “Disinfecting Potable Water.” This new guidance will provide updated protocols for disinfecting water-storage facilities, so be on the lookout for this new one. ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 514:2023 This standard focuses on risk management for building water systems, covering physical, chemical, and microbial hazards. It provides comprehensive guidelines for designing, building, maintaining, and operating water systems to protect building occupants. Challenge to the Listener: Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with the latest standards, including TIR34, ST108, GSA Order PBS 1000.7A, and ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 514. Engage with Clients: Reach out to healthcare facilities and federal buildings to offer your expertise in water management and help them navigate the new requirements. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from organizations like AAMI, ASHRAE, GSA, and AWWA to stay ahead of industry changes. What's Going on in Ohio? Will Other States Follow Ohio? Ohio's Proactive Approach Dr. Janet Stout praises Ohio's innovative approach to managing Legionella risks. Unlike most areas where Legionella water management is voluntary, Ohio has taken a significant step by mandating it through hospital licensure codes. This mandate requires hospitals to have a water management plan and to test for Legionella, making compliance