30 de dez. de 2011

Toilet Legionella (new building)

Education chief Michael Suen Ming-yeung, who is suffering from Legionnaires' disease, may have contracted it in his private washroom at the new Tamar government headquarters.
Centre for Health Protection controller Thomas Tsang Ho-fai said four water samples taken from the toilet tested positive for the Legionella bacteria.
Tsang said the findings are preliminary and that final results are expected in about two weeks.
Confirmation that Legionella bacteria was found on the 11th floor adds to the problems experienced by the new SAR government headquarters' East Wing, which include cost overruns, behind- schedule construction and complaints by users of substandard interior work.
Tsang tried to ease the fears of other users of the building by emphasizing that the center has not received any new reports of legionnaires' disease.
The bacteria was not found in water or other samples taken from Suen's home, Tsang added.
The center has suggested installing special water filters and antiseptic dispensers in the new government headquarters. As a precautionary step, the center and the departments of electrical and mechanical services, water supplies and architectural services have collected more water samples from the building for further tests.
" The center has advised the building management on appropriate follow-up actions, including disinfection and risk- mitigation measures," He was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on December 19 after contracting pneumonia.
Suen was in intensive care for a few days but his condition is now stable. His leave has been extended to January 3.Ho Pak-leung, director of microbiology at the University of Hong Kong, said it is "rather bad" for Legionella to be found in a new building.
"It's supposed to be a modern building. It's not good to find the bacteria here, as it is usually found in old buildings with poor maintenance," Ho said. "The building's design may be a reason."
Ho said the water supply system should be checked to see whether it is the source of infection.



Legionnaires disease diagnosed in resident of Westernport, Md., senior housing complex

WESTERNPORT, Md. — Public health officials say one resident of a western Maryland senior-citizen apartment complex has been diagnosed with Legionnaires disease.
The Allegany County Health Department announced the confirmed case Wednesday at the Grandview Apartments in Westernport.
The agency says it's investigating the source of the Legionella bacteria. The germs are usually found in water sources.
Meanwhile, the agency recommends that Grandview residents reduce their contact with water sprays and mists, including showers. The agency also recommends that residents use bottled water or water that has been boiled for five minutes.
Legionnaires disease isn't contagious. Its symptoms resemble pneumonia, including high fever, chest pain and cough.
The agency says 139 cases of Legionnaires disease have been reported in Maryland this year.

25 de dez. de 2011

Legionella - Copa do Mundo e as Olimpíadas no Brasil

Não falta muito para que o Brasil tenha dois grandes eventos esportivos a nível mundial. Todos estão preocupados com os estádios, infraestrutura, etc... Sem dúvida sem isso não será possível ter os eventos tão esperados. Queria deixar registrado que a questão da Legionella, também deve ser pensado. Hotéis, Centro Comerciais, Hospitais e muitos outros locais, onde vai haver uma grande movimentação de pessoas a cada dia. Pois bem, e a saúde de todos ? A legionella pode ser um risco e deve ser levada em conta. Espero que os responsáveis técnicos parem alguns minutos para avaliar esta questão.

15 de dez. de 2011

CDC ties five cases of Legionnaire's disease to Frenchman's Reef and Frenchman's Cove

novoS CASOS DE LEGIONELLA

By JOY BLACKBURN (Daily News Staff)
Published: December 13, 2011
Virgin Islands Daily News

ST. CROIX - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked five past cases of Legionnaire's disease - reported between March 2010 and August 2011 - with stays at Marriott's Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort and Marriott's Frenchman's Cove, prompting remediation work to the resorts' water systems.
The V.I. Health Department has been "working closely" with a team of CDC specialists to monitor the remediation efforts at the resorts, after an investigation into the five past cases, according to a statement the Health Department released Monday.
The illness was found in stateside residents who had been guests at the resorts, said Health Department spokeswoman Eunice Bedminster. They required hospitalization but have since recovered, she said.
There have been no reports of employees affected at either site, according to the Health Department statement.
The statement indicates that Frenchman's Reef and Morningstar Beach Resort has hired a consultant who led a cleaning project of the affected areas and treated the water system. Test results show no existence of Legionella bacteria, although the Health Department statement said the test results have not yet been evaluated independently by the CDC.
Health had asked the resorts to notify those who could potentially be affected by the bacteria: guests and employees, Bedminster said.
The properties asked for an extension on a deadline that had been set, and it was granted, but the deadlines passed last week without the notification to guests and employees going out, Bedminster said.
She did not know if, after the deadline, the properties had made the requested notifications, she said.
The hotel provided The Daily News with a written statement that did not address guest notification:
"Marriott takes hotel hygiene and cleanliness very seriously. As soon as we were notified of the possibility of the presence of Legionella bacteria we immediately began to work with the USVI Department of Health (DOH) to address the situation. The Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resorts hired a consultant who led a cleaning project of affected areas and the treatment of the water system.
"The latest test results taken after the implementation of these measures show no existence of Legionella bacteria in the samples tested. We have complied with the recommendations provided by the DOH, and we have successfully addressed the issue at the resort. The DOH has allowed the hotel to remain fully open for business and welcome our guests."
The Daily News spoke with Marriott Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Beach Resort General Manager Jose Gonzalez Espinosa by phone and asked for comment on the Health Department's assertion that the resort did not make the notifications it was supposed to make by the deadline.
Gonzalez would not answer the questions unless they were in writing. The Daily News has a policy against submitting questions in writing because written Q and A stifles and slows follow-up and response.
The resort underwent a major renovation during the summer, closing May 3 and reopening on Oct. 6.
The Health Department's statement said that Frenchman's Cove has hired a consultant, and a "major threshold" in its remediation efforts is set to start this week.
Legionnaire's disease is a pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria, which lives in warm water supplies, said Dr. Lauri Hicks, a medical epidemiologist with the CDC. The bacteria that causes the disease does not pass from person to person.
"It really requires exposure to water aerosol that contains Legionella," she said, Exposure may occur from showering or with time spent in a whirlpool or hot tub where the bacteria that leads to Legionairre's disease is present, Hicks said.
The CDC informed the Health Department in October of the five Legionnaire's disease cases among past guests at the resorts, and the Health Department asked for the agency's help in investigating.
From Oct. 18 to 22, CDC specialists conducted testing, and the properties were alerted about the possible Legionella contamination, Bedminster said.
On Nov. 3, the Health Department notified each property of the CDC's conclusive findings and ordered them to immediately work on their water systems, including cleansing, superheating, cholorinating and hiring a private consultant experienced in eliminating Legionella from building water systems, according to the release.
More than six weeks later, the Health Department notified the public with the statement it released Monday.
Bedminster said that there had been no delay - and that remediation work began immediately.
"We have worked in good faith with both the resorts during what I have said was a monitoring process. We had some agreed-upon deadlines that had not been met, so we had to let the public know," she said.
Bedminster said that Health Department officials had discussed the possibility of enforcement actions with the Department of Labor and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to get those deadlines met, but she did not know the outcome of the discussions.
"Safeguarding the public's health, including that of employees and guests, from exposure and threats are of the utmost importance to the Department of Health," acting Health Commissioner Mercedes Dullum said in the prepared statement. "DOH will continue to monitor this situation with assistance from the CDC. People should not be discouraged from traveling to or within the U.S. Virgin Islands."

14 de dez. de 2011

Legionella - Risk Assessment - Casos em evolução

OSHA estimates that 10,000 to 50,000 cases of Legionnaires' disease occur eachyeaftin the U.S. Legionella are a common type of bacteria that originate from warm water sources. The transmission of Legionella can occur when humans inhale aerosolized droplets of water containing the bacteria. CDC estimates that each year 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in the U.S.; however, this number may be significantly higher because up to 75% of infections are not diagnosed or reported. Joseph Alien, senior scientist with Environmental, Health and Engineering (EH&E), warns that employers can be liable if an outbreak occurs at the workplace.
"Legionnaires' disease is a serious illness," Alien says. "CDC estimates that 5% to 30% of people who develop Legionnaires' disease die from the infection. Companies can face significant financial liabilities due to potential litigation, productivity loss, adverse impact on the brand and expensive reactive mitigation measures from an outbreak or even an isolated case."
Hot spots for Legionella are hot and cold potable hot systems, showers, water faucets, humidifiers, decorative fountains, cooling towers, evaporative condensers and coolers, ultrasonic misters and whirlpool baths, he says. Risk management plan before an outbreak occurs.
"Trying to react to an outbreak after the fact generally increases costs . . . creates a crisis situation that dramatically and adversely impacts the productivity of senior management that are involved in handling the incident, increases the risk that a mistake is made as companies 'react on the fly7 and may result in temporary closing or restriction of the use of facilities while the investigation is proceeding," Alien says.
He adds that an effective plan requires a multidisciplinary team that communicates across all levels of a company - senior management, facilities, legal and public relations. It will ensure that potential hazards are identified, plans are in place to reduce the potential for Legionella proliferation and that the responsibilities of each team member are clearly delineated. According to" Alien, a good risk management plan would be . tailored to each specific building, would be easy to implement and would:
* identify risk factors for Legionella and Legionnaires' disease, including equipment, environmental conditions and operational risks;
* define clear roles and responsibilities for both prevention and response;
* specify testing and maintenance frequency, procedures and interpretation of results;
* document activities for any required notification to regulatory authorities;
* automate notifications, facilitate data reviews and organize documents.
Allen adds that the scientific team must have expertise in biosafety, engineering and building safety, exposure and risk assessment, epidemiology, industrial hygiene and risk communication. "A multidisciplinary approach is critical for success in both reactive situations and in the development of proactive measures, such as risk management plans," he says.
The Risk Assessment is very import.

7 de dez. de 2011

LEGIONELLA (Preocupação em todo o mundo)

Em muitos paises a LEGIONELLA é parte integrante de preocupação e ações. Fazer análise da água para saber se tem ou não tem LEGIONELLA não é a solução. Muitas empresas, inclusive no Brasil, acham que estão fazendo o correto se analisarem a água. Pois bem, se der negativo ? Tudo parece bem e a falsa segurança entra no sentimento. Se der positivo ? Uma catástrofe e o que fazer ?
Nem sempre um resultado negativo é bom, nem o resultado positivo é ruim. Lembramos que uma coleta de amostra é feita em um determinado momento, no momento seguinte tudo fica diferente. Não será pela análise que vamos saber se tudo está bem ou ruim. Importaante é fazer uma avaliação de risco (Risk Assessment), para que possamos definir que ações devem ser feitas para minimizar os riscos provocados pela LEGIONELLA.
Muitos laboratórios dizem que fazendo análise é suficiente, isso não é verdade. Consulte um especialista em avaliação de risco.
Para complementar o que estou dizendo, segue um artigo interessante publicado hoje na Inglaterra.

TRADE ASSOCIATION SAYS MORE MUST BE DONE TO COMBAT LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE
Deaths and serious illness resulting from Legionnaires’ disease is still far too prevalent in hotels, hospitals and other public buildings, and is usually the consequence of poor maintenance regimes or complacency. The HVCA says more needs to be done to combat this ever-present threat.
7 December 2011 – Most people remember the tragic outbreak of legionnaires’ disease in 2002 in the town of Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the public with a further 180 people taken ill. Yet, almost 10 years on, incidents of Legionnaires’ disease in workplaces, hotels, hospitals and other public buildings are still occurring on a regular basis.
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia which can affect anybody but primarily affects those who are more susceptible because of their age, those suffering from chronic respiratory or kidney disease and people whose immune system is impaired. Infection is caused by breathing in small droplets of water contaminated by the bacteria.
Water temperature between 20°C and 50°C is the range in which Legionella bacteria will proliferate most rapidly, with the optimum temperature believed to be 37°C. Legionella bacteria is however killed within a few minutes at water temperatures above 60°C.
Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA), says that a regular programme of inspection and maintenance of air conditioning, water holding and water supply systems is essential if future deaths from Legionnaires’ are to be avoided. Mr Judd comments, “On average there are approximately 300 reported cases of Legionnaires’ disease each year in the UK and when clusters of cases occur they can typically be traced back to poorly maintained cooling tower systems, air conditioning plant or hot and cold water systems in offices, factories, hotels, hospitals and other larger establishments.
“Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia but it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of creating the conditions in which the legionella bacteria thrive by taking important measures such as a programme of regular inspection and maintenance of susceptible plant and equipment including regular cleaning and disinfection.
“Building owners and occupiers should be aware of, and comply with, their legal obligations, and these are set out in a single document, published by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), called ‘Legionnaires’ disease – The control of legionella bacteria in water systems’. This is a HSC Approved Code of Practice (ACoP), commonly referred to as L8.

Veja tambem a nova recomendação da ASHRAE sobre o tema LEGIONELLA, onde se indica a avaliação de risco pelo método HACCP.
A SETRI possui técnicos especializados em Risk Assessment no Brasil.

HSBC Sustentabilidade

Com investimento de cerca de R$ 2 milhões, o HSBC abre, em São Luis, no Maranhão, sua primeira agência sustentável, a única no Brasil a utilizar aerogerador, uma das formas mais limpas para abastecimento energético. O equipamento tem potencial de reduzir em até 10% o consumo previsto para a agência.
A agência Renascença faz parte do Programa Global de Eficiência Ambiental, em que o Grupo HSBC investiu, em cinco anos, R$ 150 milhões na criação de um modelo de construção com tecnologias inovadoras em eficiência energética e sistemas de gerenciamento ambiental.
O objetivo do banco com este posicionamento é rever a maneira de fazer negócios e engenharia, construindo uma agência que poderá dar todo o conforto necessário para os clientes e colaboradores consumindo muito menos recursos naturais.
Além do uso de energia eólica, a agência conta com conceitos de sustentabilidade em seu design, equipamentos e construção, minimizando o impacto ao meio ambiente:
• Telhado que possibilita a circulação de ar;
• Paredes duplas para isolamento térmico;
• Utilização da água da chuva para fins não potáveis;
• Iluminação com lâmpada LED;
• Coleta seletiva de resíduos;
• Automação da iluminação e ambiente de caixas eletrônicos (desligamento automático);
• Instalação hidráulica eficiente (caixas acopladas com duplo comando);
• Aumento da iluminação natural por meio de amplas janelas;
• Calçadas vazadas para redução de impermeabilização;
• Breezes nos vidros para reduzir incidência solar;
• Mobiliário com matéria prima certificada FSC (aprovado pelo Conselho Brasileiro de Manejo Florestal).

5 de dez. de 2011

Casos de Legionella estão crescendo em todo mundo

Os casos reportados de Legionellose vem crescendo nos últimos anos a níveis bem superiores ao esperado.
Lembramos que os casos de Febre Pontiac não estão relacionadas e sim os casos que requerem internação, ou seja, casos de pneumonia leve ou grave. Não existe ainda um sistema que controla o número de casos de pessoas que contraem a Febre Pontiac (provocada pela Legionella).
Por informações de especialistas, os casos de Febre Pontiac são enormes, pois são confundidas como resfriado, gripe etc....
Nos estamos alertando já a alguns anos sobre o TEMA LEGIONELLA e acreditamos que somente a informação ajuda.

The study is the first to identify a link between Legionnaires' Disease and windscreen fluid


 Increasing cases of Legionnaires disease
Pittsburgh : PA : USA | Dec 05, 2011 at 9:12 AM PST

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevent August report indicates cases tripled in the last ten years.
Legionnaires disease a potentially life-threatening pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria. The number of reported cases are tripled according to the CDC's report which had appeared in the August 19th Morbidity and Morality Weekly Report.
Flare-ups of the disease in New England this year are and unexplained according to health officials.
Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut total cases confirmed have almost doubled since last year and many sharp increases in cases are being seen in northeastern states.
Monday, November 28th, an advisory to all state healthcare providers to look out for and report Legionnaires cases. Currently, 18 cases have been reported.
Legionnaires disease is caused by the inhaling of an infectious dose of Legionella bacteria most of the times found in contaminated water sources such as whirlpool spas, showers, cooling towers and faucets.
Legionnaires disease acquired its name from the 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. This disease kills five to thirty percent of patients, between 8,000 to 18,000 people are hospitalized each year.
Legionnaires had come on strong in Massachusetts with 211 confirmed cases of the disease as November 23 upping the number of cases by 118 higher than 2010. Connecticut had seen 72 cases in comparison to the 47 last year.
This year New York 526 cases with Pennsylvania at 450 cases.
In July, outbreak of this disease was seen at the posh 4,000 room Aria Resort and Casino on the Vegas strip.
Other reported outbreaks have included Hamilton, Ontario four cases, a hotel in Ocean City, Maryland in September had three guests infected with the disease. Two nursing homes in Pittsburgh had a total of ten cases confirmed in September, three cases were hospitalized and no deaths had been reported.
Three residents of a Cleveland nursing and rehab facility had been hospitalized in June with the disease. HC info has cases listed which go as far back 1997.
With the growing population of older adults and other individuals who are more susceptible to the infection are more than likely to be part of the reason for the rising increase and most cases are not associated to foreign travel.
Outbreaks of Legionnaires disease is receiving the most attention by the media especially after 200 guests had fallen ill after attending a Playboy mansion party with at least four guests contracting the disease.
According to the Mayo Clinic Legionnaires disease usually develops within two to fourteen days after being exposed. Most of the times it starts with headache, muscle pain, chills and fever that maybe 104 or higher.
On the second or third day development of other signs and symptoms may include:
Cough that may bring up mucus or blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and nausea
Confusions or mental changes

Legionnaires disease usually affects the lungs however, it can on occasion cause an infection in wounds and other parts in the body which includes the heart.
Pontiac fever is a mild form of Legionnaires disease which could produce symptoms that include chills, headache, fever and muscle ache. This fever does not affect the lungs and symptoms usually diminish within two to five days.
If you believe you have had exposure to legionella bacteria see your healthcare practitioner. Mention any trips you have taken in the last two weeks and where you did stay. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the disease can less the recovery time and prevent serious complications. If you are at high risk immediate attention is needed.
High risk category includes those people with a lower resistance to the disease. Some of the factors which could increase the risk include:
Organ transplants
Aged 45 or older
Heavy smoking
Weakened immune system
Underlying medical problems such as diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease
Certain drug therapies such as corticosteroids
Heavy consumption of alcoholic beverages

Besides being infected by inhaled microscopic water droplets containing the bacteria which could come from the shower spray, whirlpool, faucets, water dispersed through the ventilation system in large buildings other associated sources have included:
Hot tubs and whirlpools on cruise ships
Cooling towers in air conditioning systems
Swimming pools and Decorative fountains
Physical therapy equipment
Water systems in hotels, nursing homes and hospitals

This disease is not transmitted from person to person.

1 de dez. de 2011

Ecolab e a Nalco

Hoje a Ecolab comprou a Nalco oficialmente, comunicado feito após aprovação dos acionistas das duas empresas. Inclusive já está no ar um novo site da nova empresa.

SETRI FELIZ 2012

A SETRI não seria nada sem nossos sócios, amigos, admiradores e sem dúvida nossos CLIENTES.
Estamos comemorando 3 anos de muito trabalho.
Nossos CLIENTES estão satisfeitos, porque conseguimos dar um retorno sobre o investimento.
O planeta, pelo que trabalhamos (Sustentabilidade).
As pessoas pela ajuda que fazemos em ter uma vida mais saudável (Qualidade do Ar de Interiores, Legionella e Tratamento de Água).
Nossa missão em 2011 foi completada, agora teremos novos desafios em 2012.
Nossa mensagem está no vídeo que acabei de receber de minha filha, não produzimos, mas achamos que da mesma forma, que minha filha quis me transmitir com esta mensagem, utilizo a mesma, a todos,
FELIZ 2012.
abraços

30 de nov. de 2011

Legionnaires' disease cases jump in Maine, New England

click image to enlarge

Legionella bacteria can cause a severe strain of pneumonia when inhaled in water droplets or vapor.
CDC photo

Legionnaires' disease, so far this year, it has documented 18, including 12 in the past three months, said Dr. Stephen Sears, epidemiologist with the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Massachusetts, Connecticut and Quebec also have had significant, unexplained increases in recent months, Sears said.
"It's pretty usual to see sporadic cases," Sears said. "What's unusual is that (the increase) has occurred throughout New England and Canada at about the same time."
In Connecticut, health officials have documented 72 cases this year, compared with 47 at this time last year, according to federal data. Massachusetts has had 211 documented cases this year, compared with 118 last year.
Sears said he and infectious-disease experts in Massachusetts and Connecticut recently compared their rising numbers but could not explain them.
"Maybe it's warmer (weather) into the fall," he said. "Is it because we've had so much rain? Those are all speculations."
Legionnaires' disease got its name in 1976, when an outbreak struck people at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia. Legionella bacteria are common in water, and can cause a severe strain of pneumonia when inhaled in water droplets or vapor. The outbreak in Philadelphia, for example, was traced back to the convention center's air conditioning system.
The disease cannot be spread from person to person. Its symptoms include high fever, chills, cough, chest pain and muscle aches. Most patients take antibiotics and recover, although 5 percent to 30 percent die. The disease is most severe in patients with underlying medical conditions.
Maine's CDC issued an advisory Monday telling the state's medical community to watch for new cases, test for possible infections and report them. Legionnaires' is usually suspected when symptoms are severe, especially if a patient reports a risk factor such as recent travel, exposure to whirlpool spas or recent plumbing repairs in the home.
Legionnaires' disease requires a longer treatment – typically three weeks – with a different antibiotic from those often prescribed for more common types of pneumonia.
"If you know it's Legionnaires' you can target your therapy more effectively," Sears said.
Most of the 18 Mainers who have been diagnosed with legionellosis this year developed the full-blown Legionnaires' pneumonia and were hospitalized, Sears said. All survived, and have recovered or are recovering, he said.
Although Legionnaires' disease is associated with mass outbreaks from contaminated water, doctors in Maine say it is now more common to see scattered, individual cases. Institutions such as hotels and hospitals are more careful about sanitizing water and ventilation systems than they were in the past, so more common sources are whirlpool spas, showers and faucets, Sears said.
Homeowners can be exposed, for example, when they turn on a shower after a plumbing repair or when they don't heat their home's hot water supply enough to kill the bacteria, said Dr. August Valenti, head of epidemiology and infectious diseases at Maine Medical Center in Portland.
Valenti said he has been diagnosing Legionnaires' cases since the disease was first identified, and believes it is more common than people know.
"Probably there are more coming in (with the infection) than we realize. We do not always test for Legionnaires'," he said.
Valenti said he watches for the more severe pneumonia symptoms that can indicate a Legionnaires' infection, and routinely asks pneumonia patients if they have had work on their home plumbing. He said he treats all pneumonias with antibiotics that cover Legionnaires' and other forms of pneumonia.
Valenti said he is stumped by the recent increase around the state and the region.
None of the 18 cases diagnosed this year appears to be related to others, according to the CDC.
"We try to make links to see if there is any water system connecting the cases, and we haven't made any," Sears said.
The 18 Maine patients range in age from 26 to 89. They live in eight counties, with nine of the 18 living in Cumberland and York counties.
The CDC does not identify the towns where patients live, to make sure that residents of small towns cannot be identified, Sears said.
Alfred DeMaria, state epidemiologist in Massachusetts, said the increase appears to have occurred since August throughout the Northeast and in eastern Canada.
"We have investigated the distribution of our cases and found no common exposures except for a couple of circumstances," DeMaria wrote in an email Monday.
Some European experts have linked an increase in the disease to climatic conditions, although that has not been proven, DeMaria said.
"The idea is that wet and warm, but not too hot, weather favors the organism and its aerosolization," he said.

28 de nov. de 2011

Discovery of Legionella bacteria sparks closure of Perry High School

by Catherine Holland
Video report by Carina Sonn
Posted on November 22, 2011 at 7:49 AM
Updated Wednesday, Nov 23 at 7:36 AM
GILBERT, Ariz. -- The discovery of a bacteria that can cause a potentially deadly disease has forced the closure of a Gilbert high school.
Perry High School and the Perry branch of the Town of Gilbert Library were both shut down after tests detected the Legionella bacteria.
The tests were performed after a library employee developed whooping cough.
The bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, which is a type of lung infection.
While no illnesses have been reported at Perry High School, school officials say they are putting safety first.
Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease are similar to those of other forms of pneumonia, which makes it difficult to diagnose. A high fever, chills and a cough are among the most common symptoms. Muscle aches and headaches can be symptoms, as well.
Those symptoms general set in two to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. A chest X-ray is required to diagnose Legionnaires' disease. There are also several lab tests that can detect the presence of the Legionella bacteria in the body.
While most cases of Legionnaires' disease can be treated with antibiotics, it can be serious, even deadly.
The Legionella bacteria got its name in 1976, when many people who went to a Philadelphia convention of the American Legion suffered from an outbreak of this disease.
The library will reopen Friday and classes will resume at Perry High Monday.

Legionella em Spa

Nem todos sabem, mas um spa é um dos pontos críticos para se contrair legionellose. Uma Avaliação de Risco e seguir os planos de ação sõa fundamentais para redução do risco.

Caso de legionella no Japão - Hot spa

Man dies from Legionella bacteria in bath at Gunma hot spa inn

MAEBASHI -- A man in his 60s has died after being infected with Legionella bacteria in the bath of a hot spa inn in Gumna Prefecture, the prefectural government said.
The Gunma Prefectural Government concluded that the man had been infected with Legionella in the bath of the inn in Minakami after confirming that a bacteria gene type found in the man matched that from the bath water.
The prefectural government ordered the inn to suspend its business for four days from Nov. 25 as punishment for its insufficient sanitation standards.
After staying at the inn on Oct. 18, the man from Katano, Osaka Prefecture, showed symptoms such as a high fever and coughing. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumonia caused by Legionella, and died on Nov. 6.
The prefectural government has detected Legionella bacteria about 1,800 times the upper limit set by the prefectural ordinance in the bath water.

25 de nov. de 2011

Qualidade do Ar de Interiores (sistemas climatizados) - Laudos Falsificados

Muitos não sabem, mas no Brasil existe uma legislação sobre o tema da Qualidade do Ar em ambientes climatizados (ar condicionado). Como a maioria das pessoas não sabem, quem deveria trabalhar para manter os locais climatizados em situação adequada pouco faz. Recentemente, foi publicado na mídia o casos de alguns locais com péssima manutenção dos sistemas de ar condicionado e total negligência sobre o tema. No Brasil temos a Portaria 3523 e a RE09 que trata do tema, além das normas técnicas da ABNT (16.401), que muitos projetistas e instaladores nem sabem. Pois bem, agora vem a maior. Existe no mercado algumas empresas (poucas), que estão falsificando laudos de laboratórios com os resultados das análises de ar (obrigatório pela portaria e a resolução). Esta situação é grave e gostaria de deixar um recado a todos que tomem muito cuidado com este tema, pois falsificar laudos é como falsificar um exame médico.
Prestem mais atenção, contratem empresas de confiança, não se deixe levar somente por preço e fazer as coisas só para cumprir "tabela".

22 de nov. de 2011

AMIGOS

                                                   Amigos durante o Premio do GBCB.

Legionella Casos

Perry High in Gilbert closed after Legionella bacteria detected.
(USA TODAY - 22/11/2011)
Perry High School will be closed on Tuesday as a precautionary measure because Legionella bacteria was detected at the Gilbert municipal library on campus, authorities say.
Monday's closure of the library prompted the Chandler Unified School District to close the high school, district spokeswoman Terry Locke said.
"While there have been no reports of illness, we are taking extra precaution to ensure the safety of our students and staff," Superintendent Camille Casteel said in a statement.
The school will be closed so district officials can conduct more tests. The library was closed after a worker was diagnosed with whooping cough. That led to standard testing that detected Legionella bacteria, Gilbert spokeswoman Beth Lucas said. The bacteria can cause Legionnaire's disease, a serious respiratory illness.

21 de nov. de 2011

Legionella bacteria is found in hospital water

Published on Monday 21 November 2011 10:09

TRACES of Legionella bacteria have been found contaminating the water at St Michael’s Hospital, limiting the supply of running water at the site.

The bacteria, which can lead to Legionnaires disease, has been found in the water, in the second outbreak of the problem in north Warwick this year. In June the IBM site sent staff home after the bacteria was found. The bug can potentially be lethal, with muscle pains and pneumonia among the symptoms.
Water has been switched off in one building of the site for a few hours at a time over the past week as maintenance is carried out.
Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust operates the site, and has been in regular contact with the relevant authorities since the problem was found.

13 de nov. de 2011

Foto

Adorei esta foto tirada pela minha filha, lá na California. Me faz pensar.

10 de nov. de 2011

Legionnaires’ Cases Confirmed at Baltimore Nursing Home

WEBWIRE – Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Two cases of Legionnaires’ disease have been discovered at the Keswick Multicare Center on West 40th Street in Baltimore, MD. Their symptoms began in September, and health officials have now confirmed that the patients are indeed suffering from Legionnaires’, according to NBC affiliate WBAL-TV. Both patients are expected to recover.

3 de nov. de 2011

Este é meu sonho

Um filme da minha história (esse não deixa de ser um sonho) ajudar o planeta.

http://www.this-is-my-story.com/v/W938263XM63L

Super divertido.

27 de out. de 2011

SETRI Risk Assessor for Legionella Control

Fernando Henrique Fonseca Bensoussan, sócio da SETRI, acaba de se graduar no curso de Risk Assessor na Inglaterra. Com isso a SETRI passa a ter mais uma capacitação técnica para atender os requisitos internacionais. Estamos capacitados para realizar o Risk Assessment pelo processo HACCP e L8.

Premiação do GBC Brasil

Ontem a noite foi realizado a cerimonia de premiação as empresas que mais se destacaram na área da Construção Sustentável, além de homenagens a pessoas que contribuem para que o processo de Sustentabilidade na construção seja uma realidade.
Estou muito orgulhoso, pois vi o GBCB nascer e ontem a noite, vendo uma cerimonia com a presença de grandes empresas, profissionais, autoridades do governo ( Governador de Brasilia, Secretário do Meio Ambiente do Estado de São Paulo e o secretário do Verde e Meio Ambiente da cidade de São Paulo) e representantes do consulado Americano e do Reino Unido, sem dúvida foi um sucesso.
Quando iniciamos, quem diria que o Brasil iria mudar, nos acreditamos e estamos vendo um mercado mudando.
Quando vi o nível dos representantes do mercado, agora fico mais animado em saber que ganhamos a batalha, a guerra ainda não, mas foi uma grande batalha.
Parabéns a toda equipe do GBCB pela excelente organização, realmente me senti em outro mundo, aquele que sempre esperei ou seja, mudar o mercado para o caminho da SUSTENTABILIDADE.
Parabéns aos vencedores, parabéns a todos aqueles excelentes profissionais que fazem acontecer.

26 de out. de 2011

LEGIONELLA RISK ASSESSMENT SETRI UK

A SETRI está participando de vários encontros e cursos na Inglaterra, onde o tema Risk Assessment para a bactéria Legionella é o ponto principal.

Nosso objetivo além de atualização técnica é apresentar aos parceiros da Inglaterra os avanços que a SETRI vem realizando no Brasil sobre o tema LEGIONELLA.

A SETRI é a única empresa especializada em Risk Assessmet no Brasil.

24 de out. de 2011

Premio 2011 do GBC Brasil


 http://www.gbcbrasil.org.br/?p=world&M=9&O=9

Qualidade do Ar de Interiores - Shoppings de São Paulo

Situação é assustadora, diz fiscalização

Data: 24-10-2011

Na avaliação de Szymon Gartenkraut, da Covisa (Coordenação de Vigilância em Saúde), a situação encontrada nos shoppings de São Paulo "é assustadora".
No duto de ar-condicionado de um dos principais shoppings da cidade, cujo nome não foi revelado, foram encontrados dezenas de ratos mortos.
Por causa do frio, eles não apodreceram e não deixaram mau cheiro -foram encontrados roedores mumificados em três andares.
Outro caso é o da saída de ar de um "pet shop" que dava direto no restaurante de uma grande rede, a três lojas dali. Pelos, pulgas e ácaro eram "servidos" com o ar de quem comia no local.
De acordo com a Covisa, um dos shoppings nunca tinha limpado o ar-condicionado. Formou-se um "tapete" com 1 cm de poeira. As paredes do duto estavam tingidas por fungos.
Após as vistorias, a Covisa denuncia as irregularidades ao Ministério Público do Trabalho. Até agora, há 14 inquéritos civis em curso no órgão, segundo a promotora Danielle Leite.
Analisam-se casos em que a inadequação põe em risco a saúde de quem trabalha nos shoppings.
"Se houver condenação, a indenização é pelos danos não só aos trabalhadores, mas a toda a coletividade", afirma ela. A multa pode chegar a R$ 500 mil.

http://www.dnqaiabrava.com.br/index.php?p=noticias&n=137

23 de out. de 2011

Falta de Ar - Qualidade do Ar de Interiores - SHOPPINGS em São Paulo

Matéria do caderno da Folha de São Paulo de hoje, diz: " Saúde, FALTA DE AR, 25 shoppings da cidade têm problemas com limpeza do ar-condicionado; ratos mortos e camada de pó de 1 cm foram encontrados pela prefeitura"

A Covisa e o Ministério Público do Trabalho não divulgaram os nomes das empresas vistoriadas.

Venho colocando no meu blog a muito tempo o problema que todos nós passamos em ambientes climatizados artificialmente (ar-condicionado), o que a matéria fala é uma pequena parte do que realmente passa.
No Brasil existe legislação e são poucos que realizam de fato o que deveriam fazer. Como eu sempre digo, leis não servem muito para isso, o que vale é a responsabilidade dos administradores.
Se os shoppings estão assim, imaginem os Hospitais, Escritórios, Restaurantes, etc......
Segue de novo o alerta, nos temos que cobrar dos administradores o cumprimento das normas para que nossa SAÚDE não seja comprometida.

22 de out. de 2011

TOP BLOG 2011 - SETRI

Amigos, o blog da SETRI ficou entre os 100 finalistas na área da Sustentabilidade, muito obrigado a todos e continuamos no processo.
abraços
SETRI

20 de out. de 2011

Mercado de Tratamento de Água - DIVERSEY e GE WATER

Quando iniciei a SETRI, após mais de 30 anos em uma empresa de tratamento de água, afirmava a todos que o mercado de tratamento de água no mundo (área industrial e institucional), iria passar por uma mudança drástica. Os players seriam grandes grupos. A dois meses a ECOLAB comprou a Nalco o que gerou surpresa no mercado tendo em vista que a ECOLAB não é uma empresa conhecida em tratamento de água. Agora apresento a mais nova surpresa no mercado.
Desde 11/10/2011 a DIVERSEY se junta com a GE Water. Parece que a coisa vai ficar uma grande briga de gigantes. Vamos ver se o mercado ganha algo com isso.


October 11, 2011
GE and Sealed Air's Diversey Business Create Global Alliance to Bring Water Technology to the Cleaning, Sanitation and Food and Beverage Industries
• Alliance Includes GE’s Water Treatment Chemicals, Water and Process Equipment, Membrane and Cartridge Filtration, Analytical Instruments and Energy Management Solutions
• After Successful Pilot Program, GE and Diversey Entered into the Alliance

GE (NYSE: GE) and Sealed Air’s (NYSE: SEE) Diversey business today announced an alliance to deliver water and energy management services to Diversey’s cleaning and sanitation customers around the world.
The announcement comes after a successful pilot of the alliance over the past year. Under the terms of the agreement, Sealed Air’s Diversey team will sell and service GE’s water treatment chemicals, water and process equipment, membrane and cartridge filtration products, analytical instruments and energy management solutions.
"The Diversey alliance will bring our leading water portfolio and services to an expanded customer base,” said Heiner Markhoff, president and CEO—water and process technologies for GE Power & Water. "As a leader in the commercial cleaning and sanitation business, particularly in food and beverage processing plants, Diversey is well positioned to connect their customers to our products and services, which will help these customers implement cost- and environmentally-efficient water and process technology solutions.”
"Diversey is eager to bring GE’s solutions to its customers,” said Diversey President and CEO Ed Lonergan. "GE has the industry’s most broad solution set, including chemicals and equipment for effective and safe water treatment, which will supplement Diversey’s extensive experience in water management,” Lonergan said. "Diversey will expand GE’s access to an extensive global customer base looking for ways to protect their assets, drive productivity and meet regulations.”
Today’s announcement reinforces GE’s commitment to improve water reuse, a key commitment of Ecomagination, a business strategy to create new value for customers, investors and society by solving energy, efficiency and water challenges. GE’s water-related portfolio includes the following products qualified under GE’s Ecomagination: ABMet*, advanced membrane, desalination, E-Cell electrodeionization system*, electrodialysis reversal (EDR), GenGard* cooling water solution, and ZeeWeed* membrane technology.
The companies established a pilot program in 2010 to demonstrate the link between water treatment and cleaning and sanitation processes. The result was strong customer response following demonstrable improvements in water use and conservation as well as the overall efficiency of customer operations, Lonergan said.
"Effective cleaning is inseparable from water,” Lonergan said. "And as water becomes more scarce and expensive in many parts of the world, it is critical to manage water more efficiently while also providing clean and safe food and drink supplies.”
Diversey is a business unit of Sealed Air Corp., a leader in food and other protective packaging solutions. The combination of Diversey and Sealed Air creates a new global leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. The alliance with GE also will expand Sealed Air’s operational efficiency offerings, particularly in food and beverage processing plants.For prospective customers seeking further information, contact Gaetano Redaelli at the following email address: gaetano.redaelli@diversey.com.---------------------
About Sealed Air
Sealed Air is the new global leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. With widely recognized and inventive brands such as Bubble Wrap® brand cushioning, Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions and Diversey® brand cleaning and hygiene solutions, Sealed Air offers efficient and sustainable solutions that create business value for customers, enhance the quality of life for consumers and provide a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. On a pro forma basis, Sealed Air generated revenue of $7.6 billion in 2010 and has approximately 26,000 employees who serve customers in 175 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.
About GE
GE (NYSE: GE) is an advanced technology, services and finance company taking on the world’s toughest challenges. Dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation and infrastructure, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs about 300,000 people worldwide. For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.ge.com.
GE also serves the energy sector by providing technology and service solutions that are based on a commitment to quality and innovation. The company continues to invest in new technology solutions and grow through strategic acquisitions to strengthen its local presence and better serve customers around the world. The businesses that comprise GE Energy—GE Power & Water, GE Energy Management and GE Oil & Gas—work together with more than 90,000 global employees and 2010 revenues of $38 billion, to provide integrated product and service solutions in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; as well as other alternative fuels and new grid modernization technologies to meet 21st century energy needs.

LEED EB:O&M LEGIONELLA


Para a certificação LEED, no crédito 4, temos o tema Cooling Tower Water Management. O tema Legionella é descrito para que ações sejam tomadas, sem as quais você não vai conseguir a pontuação necessária.
Além da Legionella, outros ítens importantes são requeridos. A SETRI está disponível para você conseguir obter a pontuação máxima.

19 de out. de 2011

ANÁLISE DE RISCO DA BACTÉRIA Legionella pneumophila

Copyright 2009, Encontro Regional de Higiene Ocupacional – ERHO
Este Trabalho Técnico foi preparado para apresentação no II Encontro Regional de Higiene Ocupacional, realizado no período de 15 a 17 de junho de 2009, em Salvador. Este Trabalho Técnico foi selecionado para apresentação pela Comissão Técnica do evento. O conteúdo do Trabalho Técnico, como apresentado, não foi revisado pela Comissão Técnica do II ERHO.
Resumo
Este trabalho foi elaborado com o intuito de conhecer e divulgar para empresas interessadas, um plano de gerenciamento e minimização de riscos à saúde provocados pela bactéria Legionella pneumophila.
As empresas no Brasil, já conscientizadas da importância de se manter padrões adequados de qualidade de ar de interiores, começam a se preocupar com os riscos associados aos sistemas de água e a transmissão da L. pneumoplila, bactéria que provoca a Legionelose, pode ser encontrada em toda parte. Em determinadas situações, a bactéria pode provocar a doença dos legionários, caracterizada por uma sintomatologia de gripe severa que pode levar a pneumonia, em alguns casos fatal. A contaminação se dá através da inalação de aerossóis contendo a bactéria virulenta. Os sistemas de resfriamento, especialmente as torres, são os primeiros locais de suspeita devido à tendência de emissão de aerossóis, entretanto, a bactéria prolifera em diversos sistemas de água, tais como piscinas, caixas d´água, chuveiros, inclusive os sistemas de distribuição de água potável e sistemas de água de processo.

Qualidade do Ar de Interiores em ambientes climatizados

No Brasil, a Qualidade do Ar de Interiores é regulamentada pela portaria 3523 e pela resolução 09 da ANVISA. Muito bem, mas o que isso tem de novo ? Nada, pois continuamos a não respeitar as normas e leis neste Brasil. Em meus anos de trabalho no tema Qualidade do Ar de Interiores, tenho visto coisas que ninguem poderia imaginar. Locais onde frequentamos, estão em estado lamentável quanto a manutenção e a própria Qualidade do Ar. Eu, você ou seja todos nos estamos a merce de ficar doente nestes locais. Não pense que um local de luxo (pode ser qualquer um que possua sistema de ar condicionado) é melhor que os de menos luxo, puro engano.
Não podemos depender somente de leis ou normas para viver, temos que usar também nossa força como cidadão. Recomendo a todos que busquem saber se o local do seu trabalho, o hospital, o hotel, o shopping, o restaurante, etc.... estão cumprindo com que as normas e leis ditam. Isso será para o seu próprio bem. Uma outra coisa interessante é que muitos dizem que não existe verba, não vale a pena fazer, etc... O que mais me impressiona é que o problema afeta também aquele que diz que não tem verba, não vale a pena fazer, isso porque a Qualidade do Ar de Interiores, afeta a todos que estão sob sua influencia, não importa posição, pode ser o CEO ou qualquer outra pessoa.
Uma outra coisa que gostaria de comentar, são os laboratórios que realizam as análises do ar para atender a Resolução 09 da ANVISA. Cuidado na escolha, tem muitos laboratórios que mesmo com grandes credenciais, não realizam corretamente as coletas, provocando erros absurdos.
Lembro também, que ao contratar um laboratório, tenha claro que a função dele é exclusivamente coletar a analisar, nada de comentários ou grandes sugestões para resolver os problemas apresentados. Isso porque, nem sempre o coletor está preparado para isso.
Busque profissionais adequados, empresas confiáveis e não gaste dinheiro. Invista na melhoria da saúde de todos, utilize profissionais e não o menor preço.
Como consultor nesta área, gostaria muito de poder ver resultados de melhoria e não cumprimento de tabela (só porque tenho que fazer).
Uma relação que sempre faço em minhas palestras e cursos, eu sempre pergunto porque tratamos a água de um sistema de resfriamento se não existe lei para isso. Lógico, tratamos para conservar e manter os equipamentos, pois eles custam muito dinheiro e devem operar o maior tempo possível sem problemas. Pois é e a nossa saúde ?
Espero que isso possa ajudar a você que está lendo este desabafo a cobrar uma atitude dos responsáveis dos locais onde você frequenta e possui um sistema de ar condicionado.
obs: Existe tambem as normas da ABNT sobre o tema.

LEED e a Qualidade do Ar de Interiores

Indoor Air Quality Test: Do LEED Green Buildings Meet Their Own Standards?

A recent article in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology cites a report indicating that buildings seeking LEED Certification, (buildings that are registered to become LEED Certified) are susceptible to spikes in fine, airborne particulates and may underperform in an indoor air quality test.

The report's findings were presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology annual meeting. These findings suggest that LEED Certified buildings may not be performing to their own standards and that LEED Certification is not necessarily indicative of a relative improvement, when compared to non-LEED Certified buildings, in indoor air quality (IAQ).
Except under certain workplace standards, indoor air pollution is not regulated in the United States.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the leading green building certification program in the United States and measures the performance of green buildings across a series of categories including site sustainability, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, environmental quality, building materials and resources. LEED uses its own standards to determine acceptable IAQ levels. LEED's standards exceed those set in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Fine particulates are defined as particles 10 microns or less (PM10). The limit for exposure to fine particulates is a four-hour average of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (mcg/m3). The current U.S. EPA standard for outdoor particulate pollution is a 24-hour average of 150 mcg/m3.

Air was sampled in 142 new buildings seeking LEED certification. The sampling was done post-construction and pre-occupancy, which is recommended under the LEED certification program. The four-hour averages were within the LEED limit with a range of 10 to 20 mcg/m3.

However, the results were poorer when the investigators simulated the effects of human activity by running a vacuum cleaner in the buildings, a typical occurrence in commercial properties. The PM10 readings spiked to as high as 60 mcg/m3 and even larger surges were seen when indoor sampling coincided with nearby construction activity. The indoor PM10 readings rose to 200 mcg/m3 for a period of 15 minutes, and then dropped to less than 30 mcg/m3 at the end of the workday. The researchers went on to study occupied schools, apartments, and offices. The team found that the PM10 levels increased well beyond the LEED limit when people were inside doing normal activities.

In support of LEED buildings, researchers found that buildings that fail to receive LEED certification tested much higher for PM10s. This suggests that the LEED program does help reduce indoor air pollution. The study did not measure levels of PM2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 microns). The LEED standards do not set limits for these ultrafine particles, which may be considered more dangerous than larger particles.

obs: No Brasil existe legislação para a Qualidade do Ar de Interiores (Portaria 3523 e Resolução 09 da Anvisa)

Legionnaire's disease discovered at Plant City mobile home park; one dead

By Stephanie Wang and Jodie Tillman, Times Staff Writers
In Print: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
PLANT CITY — One resident of a mobile home park died, and two others were sickened, after coming down with Legionnaires' disease, health officials said Monday.

The three people lived at the Meadows at Countrywood, a 55-and-older community with 799 mobile homes in Plant City.

They were not relatives and didn't live together, said Hillsborough County Health Department spokesman Steve Huard.

"It is a little alarming that one of (the cases) resulted in death and that it's all in one community," he said. "We want to know where the source is, if we could possibly determine that, to protect the remainder of the community."

As a precaution, health officials closed two swimming pools and two hot tubs, potential origins of the disease, at the park.

Citing privacy concerns, the Health Department didn't release the identities or genders of the victims. The president of the residents' association said the victim who died was a man.

Health officials learned of the cases Friday, when the three had shown up at the same hospital. One died Saturday. The others remain under medical care.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by a naturally occurring bacteria that grows best in warm water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People can contract the disease when they breathe mist or vapor contaminated with the bacteria.

17 de out. de 2011

Legionnaires' confirmed at Toronto seniors home

CBC News Posted: Oct 17, 2011 8:28 AM ET

A resident of a seniors care home north of Toronto has died after testing positive for legionnaires' disease.

Health officials are awaiting test results to confirm the cause of death at Bloomington Cove, a long-term care facility for 112 residents in Stouffville.

"A resident did become ill at the end of September and was taken to hospital," said Joy Marshall, York Region’s acting director for infectious disease. "Testing showed us a positive culture for legionella. That elderly resident died."

Marshall said no announcements will be made until they had the results of lab tests.

For now staff at Bloomington Cove are watching residents for any signs of high fevers, chills and coughing. Residents at the seniors home are using a waterless method for bathing as there's no water being run in the facility.

Legionella bacteria is spread through water droplets in the air and not from person to person.

10 de out. de 2011

Telhados Brancos ???? São Paulo

Qual é a efetividade de pintar todos os telhados de branco na capital paulista para reduzir o aquecimento global e as ilhas de calor? Especialistas tentarão responder a essa pergunta amanhã, em um debate na Câmara Municipal sobre o Projeto de Lei do Telhado Branco, de autoria do vereador Antonio Goulart (PMDB).
O texto, que obriga os paulistanos a pintarem os telhados de branco em um prazo de 180 dias, recebeu parecer favorável das comissões técnicas e foi aprovado em primeira votação em novembro do ano passado.
Mas o próprio vereador Goulart admite que a proposta está defasada e, por isso, chamou especialistas para debater o assunto e melhorar o texto antes de colocá-lo novamente em discussão. O projeto foi inspirado na campanha One Degree Less (Um Grau a Menos), da Green Building Council Brasil (GBC Brasil).
No ano passado, o movimento contou com a participação de várias personalidades, que concordaram em pintar a mão de branco para uma foto.
De acordo com a campanha da GBC Brasil, a compensação gerada pelo esfriamento das superfícies urbanas possibilitaria um atraso importante nos efeitos das mudanças climáticas, período em que poderiam ser pensadas e desenvolvidas outras medidas para combater o aquecimento global.
Para Goulart, uma das alterações necessárias ao projeto é trocar o termo "telhados brancos" por "telhados frios", o que dá mais opções aos moradores. "Estou totalmente aberto ao diálogo, quero colher mais dados. Meu objetivo é melhorar a qualidade de vida da população."
Mas, para o vereador, está claro o benefício de pintar as superfícies de branco. "Se colocamos um piso perto da piscina que não seja branco, não conseguimos pisar nele sem chinelo."
Apesar de sua campanha ter servido de inspiração para a proposta, a GBC Brasil afirma não ter oferecido suporte prévio ao vereador. "Não fomos contactados", conta Felipe Faria, gerente de relações institucionais e governamentais da GBC Brasil.
Para ele, há várias alternativas para evitar o aquecimento prejudicial nas cidades: usar telhados verdes (com grama plantada, por exemplo), telhas metálicas claras (que tenham potencial de reflexão) e tintas não brancas com pigmentações especiais.
"A campanha focou no telhado branco porque era a linguagem mais simples e a solução mais rápida. Mas não tem necessariamente um resultado duradouro. Nunca imaginamos que a campanha influenciaria tão rapidamente as políticas públicas", diz o gerente do GBC.
O site da campanha One Degree Less na internet (www.onedegreeless.org) recebe o patrocínio da empresa de tintas Sherwin Willians e da Dow, que deu suporte tecnológico para a Hidronorth produzir um revestimento chamado de Ecco Telhado Branco.
Para Faria, a entidade faz lobby, mas do bem. "Fazemos lobby das soluções que podem tornar as construções mais sustentáveis", ressalta.
Obrigação. A GBC Brasil defende que o governo dê incentivos a quem aderir aos telhados frios. Com relação à obrigatoriedade, a entidade diz que poderia ser pensada para novas construções e locais com grande área de telhado, como galpões, supermercados e shoppings.
No mês passado, foi realizado no auditório da Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo da USP um evento com palestrantes contrários à lei dos telhados brancos. Um dos expositores foi Ricardo Felício, professor de climatologia do departamento de Geografia da USP.
Para o meteorologista, a população perde em diversos aspectos com a aprovação do projeto. "Na escala local, não resolverá nada do conforto interno das habitações e vai gerar um gasto desnecessário de uso de água, recursos financeiros para pintura, recursos humanos para atividades de manutenção e aplicação. Só há ônus para a sociedade e nenhum ganho ambiental de fato."
"Curiosamente, o único ganho será das empresas e ONGs engajadas na proposta e da Prefeitura, que poderá angariar fundos exorbitantes em multas", completa ele.
Felício avalia que, após o debate, o projeto será abandonado. "Acredito que o autor e os seus colegas desistirão de levar o projeto adiante quando forem colocados todos os argumentos que demonstram que o projeto não tem base científica, não trará benefícios para o ambiente nem para o planeta e seu valor real, para a sociedade paulistana, é um completo equívoco", diz.
Custo. Goulart discorda do argumento de que o custo é um problema. "Esse argumento é frágil. Todo mundo fala que os alimentos orgânicos são caros, mas é porque o consumo é pequeno".
Fonte - O Estado de São Paulo

Sobre o Prêmio Green Building Brasil

Observando o desempenho e as perspectivas de crescimento do setor de construções sustentáveis no País, o GBC Brasil, organização não governamental responsável por fomentar essa indústria no País, promoverá o Prêmio Green Building Brasil com o objetivo de reconhecer indivíduos, empresas ou organizações do Brasil por sua obra, produto, serviço, inovação ou liderança exemplar no setor.

A premiação que será na Casa Fasano em São Paulo do dia 26 de outubro acompanhada de uma coquetel, jantar e show com cantora revelação Thaís Gulin. O GBC Brasil aproveitará a oportunidade para homenagear indivíduos da sociedade civil ou do governo que são modelos de inspiração e promotores da construção sustentável no País como o empresário Fábio Barbosa, presidente executivo da Editora Abril, o premiado cientista José Goldemberg, e o secretário do verde e do meio ambiente da Prefeitura de São Paulo, Eduardo Jorge Martins Alves Sobrinho.

9 de out. de 2011

Legionella Ocean City Hotel (Maryland - USA)

An Ocean City hotel is voluntarily closing a week earlier than planned for the season after three people who were guests developed legionellosis about a week after staying there.

Maryland's health department made the announcement Wednesday.

The health department says it has not confirmed that the guests acquired the illness at the Plim Plaza Hotel, and an investigation is ongoing. The three people were hospitalized, but none died.

The department says preliminary results from water samples suggest the presence of Legionella bacteria in hotel water, but final culture results are not expected until the end of next week at the earliest.

Legionellosis is a form of pneumonia caused by inhaling aerosolized water, or water mist, containing Legionella bacteria. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea or severe body aches.
Wednesday, October 5 2011, 05:05 PM EDT

Three Plim Plaza Hotel guests hospitalized for legionellosis


Three people who were guests at the Plim Plaza Hotel in Ocean City, MD were hospitalized for legionellosis a week after staying at the hotel according to the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Worcester County Health Department.

DHMH health officials said in a news release Wednesday that all three individuals were hospitalized, but none died. It is not confirmed that the guests acquired the illness at the hotel, and the investigation is ongoing.

Hotel management have relocated current guests and closed the hotel.

As of Wednesday the investigation has shown that water samples from the hotel are being cultured at the Maryland State Health lab. Preliminary reports suggest the presence of Legionella bacteria in hotel water, however final culture results are not expected until the end of next week, at the earliest.



Continue reading on Examiner.com Three Plim Plaza Hotel guests hospitalized for legionellosis - National infectious disease | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/three-plim-plaza-hotel-guests-hospitalized-for-legionellosis#ixzz1aIkRZm7r

Four infected with Legionella

Hamilton public health is investigating whether four cases of legionellosis in the city’s east end came from a common source.

The cases were reported to public health over the past several weeks. The first person became sick on Aug. 11 and reported it Aug. 23. The three other cases have been reported since Sept. 22.

“Legionella is a seasonal thing so we do expect more cases at this time of the year. And, in fact, the number of cases is not large at all,” Dr. Chris Mackie, an associate medical officer of health, said Friday.

But public health is trying to trace whether the disease came from the same source in the east end, he said, noting that one of the cases was contracted while the patient was travelling outside of the country.

The elderly, people with lung conditions or immune disorders and smokers are more susceptible, Mackie said.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, commonly found in large cooling systems. The bacteria live in water or wet soil and must be inhaled or aspirated to cause an infection.

The city has looked into about the half a dozen cooling towers in the area and did not find concerns, Mackie said.

A medical advisory was issued to Hamilton physicians, infection control officers, labs, intensive care units and other health care professionals to flag Legionellosis as a potential diagnosis for pneumonia cases.

Four infected with Legionella

Hamilton public health is investigating whether four cases of legionellosis in the city’s east end came from a common source.

The cases were reported to public health over the past several weeks. The first person became sick on Aug. 11 and reported it Aug. 23. The three other cases have been reported since Sept. 22.

“Legionella is a seasonal thing so we do expect more cases at this time of the year. And, in fact, the number of cases is not large at all,” Dr. Chris Mackie, an associate medical officer of health, said Friday.

But public health is trying to trace whether the disease came from the same source in the east end, he said, noting that one of the cases was contracted while the patient was travelling outside of the country.

The elderly, people with lung conditions or immune disorders and smokers are more susceptible, Mackie said.

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella pneumophila bacterium, commonly found in large cooling systems. The bacteria live in water or wet soil and must be inhaled or aspirated to cause an infection.

The city has looked into about the half a dozen cooling towers in the area and did not find concerns, Mackie said.

A medical advisory was issued to Hamilton physicians, infection control officers, labs, intensive care units and other health care professionals to flag Legionellosis as a potential diagnosis for pneumonia cases.

Delegação Brasileira no Congresso do USGB em Toronto

A Delegação Brasileira que este em Toronto no Congresso do USGBC. Além do Congresso, realizamos visitas técnicas e trocamos muitas informações. O grupo foi realmente excelente. Agora vamos nos preparar para o Congresso do GBCB em setembro de 2012 e o Congresso do USGB em San Francisco.

7 de out. de 2011

Toronto Congresso terminou

Uma semana bem produtiva, a delegação brasileira composta de excelentes profissionais, que sem dúvida levam mais conhecimentos. Agora temos que utilizar ainda mais o que vimos e aprendemos.

GBCB visita técnica LEED Toronto

A visita técnica foi bem interessante, tivemos a oportunidade de conhecer algumas técnicas utilizadas na cidade de Toronto! que está ainda num grande e importante processo de revitalização do centro da cidade. Um grande exemplo que poderia ou deveria ser seguido pelas grandes cidades no Brasil. Profissionais já temos, agora falta incentivos para fazer. Vi uma cidade moderna e se modernizando.

GBCB visita técnica LEED Toronto

GBCB visita técnica LEED Toronto

GBCB visita LEED Toronto

GBCB visita técnica em Toronto - LEED

Legionella

Novos casos de LEGIONELLA nos Estados Unidos em Baltimore.

GBCB visita técnica - LEED

Hoje a delegação brasileira vai realizar a visita técnica. Vamos conhecer alguns edifícios com a certificação LEED.

Reed Exhibitions e Alcantra Machado em Toronto

A empresa que organiza o Congresso do GBCBrasil, esteve presente em Toronto para acompanhar o congresso e levar para o Brasil as novidades. O trabalho da Márcia, Glauco e Thiago, sem dúvida será de grande importancia para a organização do Congresso no Brasil em setembro de 2012 (11 a 13).

Congresso do USGBC Toronto

Hoje último dia, o congresso foi bem interessante, principalmente a exposição, onde as últimas novidades para construção sustentável estavam presentes. Conservação de energia, água e novos materiais foram os pontos fortes. Uma coisa que chamou minha atenção nas conversas paralelas foi o tema Qualidade do Ar de Interiores.

6 de out. de 2011

GBCB na Camara Canada Brasil

Delegação Brasileira em Toronto

Delegação Brasileira Toronto - GBCB

Delegação brasileira participa de reunião na Camara Canada Brasil em Toronto

Campanha institucional do GBC Brasil é finalista de prêmio da ESPM

O GBCBrasil finalista, parabens.

http://www.gbcbrasil.org.br/?p=imprensa-detalhes&I=251

Toronto USGBC


Marina Barral (Consórcio Castelão),Ila Galvão(Andrade Mendonça) e Marcos Casado (GBCB)

Toronto USGBC


Momentos no Congresso, nem tudo é só trabalho.

BASF no USGBC


Gustavo da BASF Brasil com seu colega da BASF USA

Ecoquest em Toronto


Henrique, Marcos Casado e os amigos de Belo Horizonte

Toronto USGBC Brasileiros participando

5 de out. de 2011

GBCBrasil apresentação Felipe cont.

GBCBrasil apresentação do Felipe

BASF em Toronto no USGBC

OTEC participa do congresso em Toronto

Tecnologia bem interessante Produtos em cápsula


A empresa STEARNS, apresenta uma tecnologia super interessante para a linha de produtos de limpeza e desinfecção, bem mais sustentável. Os produtos estão na forma de cápsula e evitam transportar água e grandes embalagens. Quem sabe alguem no Brasil possa trabalhar com eles.

Office Depot - Vai para o Brasil?


Visitando o belo stand da Office Depot, ficamos sabendo que eles possuem planos de abrir lojas no Brasil com um parceiro. Será?

Toronto USGBC

Novo dia para a visita a exposição, muitas novidades. Estamos tendo uma boa recepção.

ActivTek em Toronto-Qualidade do Ar de Interiores

O equipamento para melhoria na qualidade do ar de interiores. No Brasil representada pela ECOQUEST do nosso amigo Henrique.

BASF em Toronto no USGBC

A BASF está presente no congresso do USGBC, apresentando várias soluções importantes para contruções mais sustentáveis. Também observamos vários tipos de pigmentos especiais para ação em refletir a luz.

4 de out. de 2011

Toronto USGBC


Brasileiros no Congresso

Toronto USGBC

Toronto USGBC


Abertura da exposição

Toronto USGBC


Amigos no Congresso.

Toronto USGBC


Início oficial do congresso, Richard Fedrizzi, CEO do USGBC

Toronto USGBC

Hoje a tarde teremos apresentações do GBCB aqui em Toronto. A exposição abre hoje a tarde.

Toronto USGBC


Primeiro dia do Congresso. Pouca movimentação, mas boa espectativa para as palestras e a exposição.

3 de out. de 2011

Toronto USGBC

Um pequeno intervalo para decidir o que comprar ????? Seria um Ipad ou um Sansung ????

SETRI Colombia em Toronto

A SETRI Colombia participando em Toronto do USGBC. A SETRI Brasil e Colombia possuem projetos importantes na área da Sustentabilidade.

GBCBrasil Toronto

Equipe da Reed Alcantra Machado e Marcos Casado do GBCB, em reunião sobre o próximo congresso do GBCB em São Paulo (Setembro 2012). O congresso em Toronto será observado, para novidades no Brasil.

Toronto USGBC

Chegada em Toronto, frio. Grupo já se organizando para conhecer a cidade. O trabalho começa segunda a tarde. Aguardem novidades.

Toronto Congresso USGBC

Primeira etapa, uma parada em Miami. O grupo do Brasil são 15, mas sem dúvida vamos encontrar outros em Toronto. Vamos tentar passar pelo blog as notícias e novidades deste grande evento. Pessoal do GBCBrasil lidera o grupo.

1 de out. de 2011

MEIO AMBIENTE ???

"Na fila do supermercado o caixa diz a uma senhora idosa que deveria trazer suas próprias sacolas para as compras, uma vez que sacos de plástico não eram amigáveis ao meio ambiente. A senhora pediu desculpas e disse: “Não havia essa onda verde no meu tempo.”

O empregado respondeu: "Esse é exatamente o nosso problema hoje, minha senhora. Sua geração não se preocupou o suficiente com nosso meio ambiente. "
"Você está certo", responde a velha senhora, nossa geração não se preocupou adequadamente com o meio ambiente.
Naquela época, as garrafas de leite, garrafas de refrigerante e cerveja eram devolvidos à loja. A loja mandava de volta para a fábrica, onde eram lavadas e esterilizadas antes de cada reuso, e eles, os fabricantes de bebidas, usavam as garrafas, umas tantas outras vezes.
Realmente não nos preocupamos com o meio ambiente no nosso tempo. Subíamos as escadas, porque não havia escadas rolantes nas lojas e nos escritórios. Caminhamos até o comércio, ao invés de usar o nosso carro de 300 cavalos de potência a cada vez que precisamos ir a dois quarteirões.

Mas você está certo. Nós não nos preocupávamos com o meio ambiente. Até então, as fraldas de bebês eram lavadas, porque não havia fraldas descartáveis. Roupas secas: a secagem era feita por nós mesmos, não nestas máquinas bamboleantes de 220 volts. A energia solar e eólica é que realmente secavam nossas roupas. Os meninos pequenos usavam as roupas que tinham sido de seus irmãos mais velhos, e não roupas sempre novas.
Mas é verdade: não havia preocupação com o meio ambiente, naqueles dias. Naquela época só tínhamos somente uma TV ou rádio em casa, e não uma TV em cada quarto. E a TV tinha uma tela do tamanho de um lenço, não um telão do tamanho de um estádio; que depois será descartado como?
Na cozinha, tínhamos que bater tudo com as mãos porque não havia máquinas elétricas, que fazem tudo por nós. Quando embalávamos algo um pouco frágil para o correio, usamos jornal amassado para protegê-lo, não plastico bolha ou pellets de plástico que duram cinco séculos para começar a degradar.
Naqueles tempos não se usava um motor a gasolina apenas para cortar a grama, era utilizado um cortador de grama que exigia músculos. O exercício era extraordinário, e não precisava ir a uma academia e usar esteiras que também funcionam a eletricidade.

Mas você tem razão: não havia naquela época preocupação com o meio ambiente. Bebíamos diretamente da fonte, quando estávamos com sede, em vez de usar copos plásticos e garrafas pet que agora lotam os oceanos. Canetas: recarregávamos com tinta umas tantas vezes ao invés de comprar uma outra. Abandonamos as navalhas, ao invés de jogar fora todos os aparelhos 'descartáveis' e poluentes só porque a lámina ficou sem corte.
Na verdade, tivemos uma onda verde naquela época. Naqueles dias, as pessoas tomavam o bonde ou de ônibus e os meninos iam em suas bicicletas ou a pé para a escola, ao invés de usar a mãe como um serviço de táxi 24 horas. Tínhamos só uma tomada em cada quarto, e não um quadro de tomadas em cada parede para alimentar uma dúzia de aparelhos. E nós não precisávamos de um GPS para receber sinais de satélites a milhas de distância no espaço, só para encontrar a pizzaria mais próxima.
Então, não é risível que a atual geração fale tanto em meio ambiente, mas não quer abrir mão de nada e não pensa em viver um pouco como na minha época?
(Agora que voce já leu o desabafo, envie para os seus amigos, e especial para os que têm mais de 50 anos de idade.)