The shower, always let it flow again. Photo: Unsplash/Kevin Baquerizo
After the summer holidays, a legionella contamination is lurking in every home. Maybe you already knew that or it’s somewhere in the back of your mind. Technology Netherlands warns against it again today. More importantly, of course: how do you prevent legionella? That’s why you can read 7 tips here.
Techniek Nederland is the employers’ organization for the installation sector and rings the legionella warning bell. A faucet that has not been used for more than a week already poses a real risk of a legionella infection. The legionella bacteria can be found in water pipes, shower mixer taps and other taps in and around the house. Infection with the bacteria can lead to severe pneumonia (called ‘veteran’s disease’). Many people become unnecessarily infected after returning from their holiday. According to Techniek Nederland, legionella infections are usually easy to prevent.
Legionella can be deadly
During holidays, the taps in the house are (usually) not used. The water in the pipes is stagnant and the water temperature quickly rises above 25 degrees. Under those circumstances, the legionella bacteria can multiply quickly. A legionella infection can cause fatigue and flu, but also (double) pneumonia. In a number of cases, a legionella infection can even be fatal. That became clear again last year, when there were two Dutch legionella deaths. The cause was then a central heating boiler. The kettles were off manufacturer Ferroli.
Every year there are six hundred reports, but in reality there are probably many more legionella infections.
Shower head in a washcloth
The risk of legionella contamination is greatest if the bacteria can spread via water spray. Legionella expert Eric van der Blom of Techniek Nederland: “When inhaling that mist, the legionella bacteria settles in the lungs. When you return home, it is wise to run hot water through all taps and showers in the house for at least a minute and then rinse with cold water.” To prevent the water from atomizing, the shower head can be placed in a bucket of water or in a washcloth. Flushing the pipes has the additional advantage that metals and other substances disappear from the drinking water pipe and the water is fresh to use again.
Dangers abroad
Dozens of Dutch people on holiday also contract a legionella infection abroad. If the apartment or holiday home has not been used for a week or more, every tap and every shower also poses a risk. It is therefore advisable to rinse the taps thoroughly on arrival at the holiday destination.
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Legionellaramp
Legionella became a much better known word in the Netherlands in 1999. On February 25 of that year, the so-called ‘legionella disaster’ began in Bovenkarspel in North Holland. That happened at the West Frisian Flora, a large flower exhibition. The cause: hot tubs filled with a fire hose that hadn’t been used for a long time. 32 visitors to the West Frisian Flora died, 206 people became seriously ill.
Seven tips against legionella
After the holiday, flush all cold and hot water taps for at least one minute. Let the water flow slowly and prevent the water from atomizing. This can be done by holding the spray head in a bucket of water or a washcloth or by removing the spray nozzle from the tap. If possible, make sure the water from all taps is at least 55 degrees. Allow all taps to flush for a few minutes during the holiday season as well. A garden hose that is not used daily also poses a risk. Also flush garden hoses and avoid misting. Never adjust the drinking water installation yourself, but have it done by a recognized installation company. It is especially important to prevent ‘dead pipes’ and heating of cold water by adjacent hot pipes (hot spots) when installing and adjusting the drinking water installation. Regularly disinfect the spa (or spa, whirlpool, jacuzzi or hot tub) according to the instructions for use.
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2023-08-08 14:32:10
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