In recent days, eight people in New York have contracted andhave died from exposure to Legionnaire's Disease which was presentin the cooling systems of various buildings in the Bronx. Additionally, 97 people were hospitalized after testing positivefor the disease, with some continuing to receive care.
Legionnaire's Disease, or Legionellosis, was first detected after a1976 outbreak at the Philadelphia AmericanLegion Convention. This first outbreak was responsible for240 confirmed cases and a total of 34 deaths, although at the time,no one was aware of the disease or the water-borne bacteria thatcaused the outbreak. Since this tragic event, a tremendousamount of research has been dedicated to the identification andcontrol of Legionella bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)estimates that about 8,000 to 18,000 Americans developLegionellosis each year. Unfortunately, most cases goundetected as they are misdiagnosed as pneumonia. In New Yorkalone, it is estimated that more than over 200 cases ofLegionellosis occur each year.
Both government and privateinstitutions have worked to develop guidelines to control thedevelopment and management of the bacteria but it has not beenenough to ultimately stop the spread of Legionnaire's disease. What can you do?
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Brian E. Nemetz
Mr. Nemetz has over 15 years of experience as an Industrial Hygienist. As a Technical Director, he is responsible for conducting industrial hygiene, asbestos, indoor air quality, sound level, Legionella, and mold investigations, as well as overseeing multi-phase remediation projects for commercial, industrial, governmental, and construction companies and organizations. Mr. Nemetz has been involved in many aspects of industrial hygiene since 1998. He has conducted numerous comprehensive industrial hygiene audits, sampling and evaluations, and reviewed work processes. Mr. Nemetz has also developed and conducted numerous and various indoor air quality investigations in relation to mold growth, health complaints, water intrusions, and various airborne particulates. Other responsibilities have included developing and implementing remediation projects for mold growth and asbestos. Mr. Nemetz continues to attend professional development and continuing education seminars concerning health, safety, and environ-mental regulatory compliance.
