28 de dez. de 2012

Water Safety Plan e Water Footprint

Os dois processos devem estar juntos e acreditamos que somente assim poderemos ter e manter a ÁGUA em nosso planeta.


20 de dez. de 2012

Legionella análise PVT no Brasil

O teste PVT, que foi aprovado pela SETRI em Novembro, estará disponível no Brasil.
A SETRI estará sempre buscando novas tecnologias que se relacionam ao tema LEGIONELLA.
Quando as empresas utilizarem este método, a SETRI já tem total domínio sobre a tecnologia, tornando nossa Avaliação de Risco mais completa.



A Phigenics licenciou o laboratório Conforlab.

Legionella análise Clínica

Muitos tem me perguntado se existe no Brasil algum teste Clínico para detectar a Legionella e se sim se são complicados.
Existe sim, alguns Hospitais mais bem informados já possuem os Kits e protocolo de análise Clínica para detectar a presença da Legionella nas pessoas que apresentam sintoma de pneumonia.

Metodologia de ELISA

Metodologia por imunofluorescencia Indireta

Metodologia por imunofluorescencia Direta

Metodologia de Teste Rápido

Metodologia de PCR (Biologia Molecular)
 
Os testes de legionela estão passando por um processo comum a todos os testes de análises clínicas. A primeira barreira a ser vencida é a cultural, ou seja, se faz necessário que o médico tome consciência da necessidade e importância clinica de solicitar este exame.
Como referencia, podemos indicar uma empresa especializada nos Kits e procedimentos para a Legionella.

8 de dez. de 2012

SETRI - PVT Test para LEGIONELLA

A SETRI acaba de ser credenciada para avaliar o novo método analítico denominado PVT da Phigenics (USA).
Este teste é homologado pelo CDC.
A SETRI foi conhecer de perto esta nova e revolucionária metodologia, para possibilitar o seu uso no Brasil.
A SETRI não realiza análises e sim Avaliação de Risco da Legionella (Risk Assessment).



Fernando H. Bensoussan ao lado do Dr McCoy, o responsável pela patente do novo método PVT.
Dr McCoy é um dos maiores especialista de Legionella, autor de livros e presidente do comite da ASHRAE sobre o tema Legionella a norma 188P que deverá ser aprovada no ano de 2013.


6 de dez. de 2012

5 de dez. de 2012

SETRI - LEGIONELLA - PVT test

A SETRI está nos Estados Unidos verificando e comprovando o novo processo de análise da Legionella em amostras de água e biofilmes.
O método é uma patente da Phigenics e a SETRI como uma empresa especializada em Avaliação de Risco da Legionella (Risk Assessment), busca sempre estar informada e capacitada para aprovar novas tecnologias.
O método denominado "Phigenics Validation Test (PVT) ", recebeu da SETRI a aprovação em loco, ou seja, nosso sócio Fernando Henrique está em reuniões com os idealizadores do processo para a devida aprovação do método.
A SETRI não realiza análises, mas estamos sempre verificando os métodos em prática no mundo para que possamos estar sempre na vanguarda tecnológica.
O método PVT da Phigenics recebeu a aprovação do CDC americano e hoje está sendo um dos métodos mais usados nos Estados Unidos.


Fernando Henrique da SETRI Brasil, avaliando o teste PVT da Phigenics.

22 de nov. de 2012

London at risk of 'catastrophic' legionnaires' outbreak.

Para evitar problemas graves, foi desenvolvido o Olympic Legionella Project
 
 



http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/nov/14/london-risk-catastrophic-legionnaires-outbreak

London could experience an outbreak of legionnaires' disease with potentially "catastrophic consequences" for people's health because of poor management of cooling towers and evaporative condensers near busy transport hubs and Olympic venues, according to a leaked Health and Safety Executive (HSE) report.
The stark warning is contained in a report by the HSE detailing the results of inspections for the presence of the legionella bacteria, which causes the disease, at 62 sites around the capital, carried out by its inspectors as part of the safety preparations for this summer's Olympic Games.
Inspectors visited sites "within two kilometres of London-based Olympic venues and certain major travel hubs, namely Heathrow airport, London City airport, London Bridge station and St Pancras train station", as well as all sites under the HSE's remit in the central London borough of Westminster, according to the report entitled Olympic Legionella Project, dated "spring/summer 2012".

Brasil está preparado para a Copa do Mundo e Olimpíadas - Legionella



O Brasil está preparado para receber turistas de todo mundo, bem como nós BRASILEIROS estaremos mais protegidos pela ameaça de contaminação pela bactéria Legionella ?
Sem dúvida que os grupos de trabalho tanto para a Copa como para a Olimpíadas ainda não tiveram muito tempo para pensar nisso.
Em Londres, o tema foi discutido e até foi elaborado o Olympic Legionella Project.
Que podemos esperar no Brasil ?
Venho apresentando este tema a muitos anos e ainda acredito que teremos algo de prevenção.
O caso da legionella é preocupante e temos que minimizar os riscos o tempo todo.
Casos em Hoteis não são raros, vide o último no JW Marriott de Chicago. Em São Paulo, casos este ano foram reportados, inclusive pelo CDC Americano, ou seja, o CDC sabe que aqui no Brasil temos problemas.
Temos que ter um plano de minimizar os riscos da legionella a nível de governo e sem dúvida dos gestores de empresa privadas e públicas.
Temos que colocar em prática o " Plano de Segurança no uso da Água" / Water Safety Plan.
Fica meu alerta as autoridades que serão responsáveis por estes grandes eventos.

Leaked report warns of legionella outbreak


Poor management of cooling towers and evaporative condensers could lead to a ‘catastrophic’ legionella outbreak in London, according to a Health and Safety Executive project report obtained by EHN.

The report, which was commissioned in the run up to the London Olympics, found that 73 per cent of cooling towers and evaporative condensers near Olympic venues and travel hubs in the capital required enforcement notices or advice.

‘The headline to arise from this project is the poor level of compliance,’ it states.

It warns an outbreak in London would be far worse than the legionella outbreak in Edinburgh in June, where over 100 people were infected and three people died.

‘[An outbreak in London] will have catastrophic consequences compared to Edinburgh given it is the area with the most footfall within the country,’ the report states.

An outbreak in Stoke-on-Trent in July linked to a hot tub display led to 21 infections and two deaths.

HSE inspectors found that compliance rates were worse in the public sector than the private sector, with 77 percent of cooling towers and evaporative condensers requiring enforcement notices or advice.

The report points to the widespread outsourcing of facilities management in the public sector and calls for ‘better monitoring’.

‘In many public sector organisations in London, the management of wet cooling towers and evaporative condensers is subcontracted to facilities management companies. It is disappointing that issues have been found at such sites given it is their specialism. This is compounded by the high turnover of facilities management companies,’ says the report.

It says most of the public sector sites visited during the project would not normally be proactively inspected as they are deemed low risk by the government.

‘Most if not all of these public sector organisations […] are deemed low risk. They would not have been subject to a proactive inspection,’ says the report. ‘Given the type of work undertaken, they are unlikely to have appeared on the radar as a poor performer. They would not have been inspected had it not been for the Olympics coming to London.’

Nearly all the sites visited used water treatment companies but the report claims some firms are inadequate.

‘Taken together with the increased turnover of facilities management firms leading to management responsibilities changing it could be speculated that scenarios are occurring where an outbreak could happen,’ the report says.

The report, which was completed in July, calls for the findings of the project to be publicised through trade publications and professional associations. However this did not happen.
The project team identified 106 sites near Olympic venues and travel hubs in London. There were 62 HSE enforced sites and nine sites enforced by councils. There were 31 decommissioned sites and four in embassies where enforcement is a ‘grey area’.

Hugh Pennington, emeritus professor of bacteriology at the University of Aberdeen, told EHN that the report was a 'wake up call' and should have been published.

‘A great pity that the HSE Olympic Project Report has not yet been published. It is a powerful wake-up call for action to rectify the long list of deficiencies found regarding the management of the legionella risk from cooling towers, particularly in the public sector. But for the grace of God there hasn't been an outbreak in London - yet. Urgent action is needed. Legionella kills, but it is preventable,’ he said.

Andrew Watterson, director of the Centre for Public Health and Population Health Research at the University of Stirling, said the government’s distinction between low-risk and high-risk workplaces made little sense.

‘Legionella can present a threat to diverse populations in towns and major cities, the numbers of people who could be affected are very large indeed and the consequences very serious – with both death and serious life-changing illnesses sometimes resulting. With legionella the categorisations of low-risk and high-risk workplaces therefore make little sense,’ he said.
Graham Jukes, CIEH chief executive, said the report painted a worrying picture.

'This report paints a worrying picture about compliance with basic maintenance in the capital especially in the light of recent tragic and high profile legionella outbreaks. In the light of severe public sector resource constraint HSE and local authority EHPs must find more effective ways other than inspection in getting the message out to business that they are responsible for maintaining safe systems of work and for protecting others from harm. It is they who will be held to account for failures and any subsequent tragic consequences,' he said.

The HSE told EHN talk of a catastrophic outbreak was unfounded.

‘This was a comment made by the inspector, who drafted the report, based on speculation and personal opinion. It is not one that is backed up by research or evidence,’ said a spokesperson.

The HSE said formal enforcement action in the form of notices was required at fewer than 10 per cent of the sites visited.

‘Most of this enforcement related to the provision of safe means of access for staff and contractors involved in the monitoring and maintenance of the cooling towers and evaporative condensers, rather than being related directly to legionella management. Verbal and written advice is generally given where it has been identified that improvements can be made and standards raised, but where people are not being put at serious risk,’ said a spokesperson.

The HSE said it was not possible draw any conclusions about the levels of compliance in the public sector as compared with the private sector

‘The inspections in London found some common failings across all sectors in the control of legionella,’ said the spokesperson.

The HSE said research into the outsourcing of facilities management in the public sector was ‘not the purpose of the report’ and claimed ‘there is insufficient information and evidence to draw any conclusions on this issue’.

The HSE said the final report will be made publically available.

‘The final report will be published. Earlier internal drafts were prepared, but as is normal for any publication these have been subject to review, fact checking and further iteration so we can be sure the information published is sufficiently robust and accurate,’ said the spokesperson.

Legionella bacteria, which causes legionnaires’ disease, is found in purpose-built water systems such as cooling towers, evaporative condensers and whirlpool spas. It can grow to dangerous levels in warm conditions and is spread by breathable droplets of water.

Smokers, heavy drinkers and anyone with an impaired immune system or respiratory disease are at particular risk.

20 de nov. de 2012

USGBC San Francisco


Vale a pena ver o que aconteceu:

https://new.usgbc.org/

Green Building Award for Brazil's Sustainability Champion

San Francisco (Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012) - An architect responsible for transforming Brazil’s built environment has been presented with the second annual World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) David Gottfried Global Green Building Entrepreneurship Award.
With more than half a century working in the construction industry, Professor Siegbert Zanettini is a pioneer in the use of new clean technologies and building systems.
Presenting the award, founder of the WorldGBC and U.S. Green Building Council, David Gottfried said that “Professor Zanettini was selected for his distinguished lifetime contribution to the development and growth of Brazil’s sustainable construction sector. Professor Zanettini has worked on more than 1,200 projects, from offices and schools, to hospitals and sports arenas, and his sustainability principles are now widely used throughout the region.”
The award was presented during the annual WorldGBC and Lend Lease reception, held as part of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. This year marks the tenth anniversary since the WorldGBC’s establishment in 2002.
Speaking at the cocktail reception, Lend Lease’s Group Head of Sustainability, Joe Van Belleghem, said: “Lend Lease has proudly partnered with the World Green Building Council for five years to co-host this event, which honors the outstanding contributions being made by our green building leaders. Mr Zanettini is a well-deserved recipient of this prestigious award for demonstrating that buildings can be high-performing, comfortable, healthy and environmentally-sustainable spaces.”
“The global green building industry currently represents more than 20,000 companies in 92 nations. Today, we have more than 10 billion square feet of green registered space around the world, and Professor Zanettini’s contribution to this achievement cannot be understated,” said the Chief Executive Officer of the WorldGBC, Jane Henley.
“This award recognizes that Professor Zanettini has challenged the property and construction industry to strive for higher sustainability standards not only in Brazil, but throughout the world,” Ms Henley concludes.
DAVID GOTTFRIED GLOBAL GREEN BUILDING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
The David Gottfried Global Green Building Entrepreneurship Award was named in honor of the founder of the WorldGBC, who also served as the first president of the U.S. Green Building Council and was one of the founders of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) green building rating system. The award was presented in 2011 to David Gottfried, and is now an annual award honoring lifetime achievement and contributions to the development and growth of the green building industry through leadership, dedication and innovation.
WORLD GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL
Established in 2002, the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) is the world’s largest organisation influencing the sustainable built environment. The WorldGBC connect the leaders of the green building movement and, through the 20,000 organisations it represents, is creating sustainable buildings, communities and cities. By collaborating with its 92 member green building councils, the WorldGBC fosters the growth of GBCs by providing them with the systems and strategies to transform their local markets. The WorldGBC drives collaboration between international governments and not-for-profit organisations, advocates green building policies and provides a common voice for a growing industry. Visit: www.worldgbc.org

18 de nov. de 2012

Legionella - Chicago

Esta semana vamos acompanhar de perto o caso de Legionella no JW Marriott de Chicago. Vamos ter reniões com técnicos e especialistas que estudaram o caso que teve uma grande repercursão na mídia mundial.

16 de nov. de 2012

Congresso San Francisco USGBC

Detalhes das visitas técnicas hoje sexta feira dia 16/11.



15 de nov. de 2012

SETRI visita stand da Diversey no Congresso do USGBC


A SETRI esteve no stand da Diversey para conhecer em detalhes as tecnologias de serviços de limpeza e higienização com a tecnologia HHPC com produtos acreditados GREENGARD.

Congresso do USGBC em San Francisco







14 de nov. de 2012

A ARTE DE ITERAGIR COM CRIANÇAS


Vejam o livro A ARTE DE INTERAGIR COM CRIANÇAS  e rever o DVD a ARTE DE EDUCAR CRIANÇAS.


Escritora e Produtora : Vera Regina Cunha Bensoussan

13 de nov. de 2012

Congresso USGBC - San Francisco


                                                                     Grupo do GBC Brasil


Já estamos participando do Congresso de Sustentabilidade do USGBC.
SETRI Brasil e SETRI Colombia ativos mais uma vez.

Segundo IBGE, mais de 70% dos municípios não têm política de saneamento; 48,7% não fiscalizam qualidade da água

Dados inéditos do IBGE (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística) mostram que 71,8% dos municípios não possuíam, em 2011, uma política municipal de saneamento básico. A estatística corresponde a 3.995 cidades que não respeitam a Lei Nacional de Saneamento Básico, aprovada em 2007.
A maioria (60,5%) não tinha acompanhamento algum quanto às licenças de esgotamento sanitário, além da drenagem e manejo de águas pluviais urbanas e do abastecimento de água. Em quase metade das cidades do país (47,8%), não há órgão de fiscalização da qualidade da água.
Segundo a "Pesquisa de Informações Básicas Municipais", a Munic, divulgado nesta terça-feira (13), 1.569 cidades possuíam políticas dessa natureza, isto é, 28,2% dos 5.564 municípios brasileiros. A Lei 11.445, que dispõe sobre diretrizes nacionais para o saneamento básico, determina que todas as cidades devem elaborar seus respectivos planos municipais.
O decreto diz ainda que as prefeituras devem estabelecer mecanismos de fiscalização quanto ao abastecimento de água, esgotamento sanitário, entre outros. No entanto, 4.060 municípios (73%) ainda não aprovaram normas neste sentido, para qualquer um dos serviços de saneamento básico.
Entre as cidades que têm estrutura específica, isto é, gestores públicos responsáveis por ações referentes ao tema, 768 (48,9%) definiram metas e estratégias por meio de planos municipais devidamente aprovados pelo poder legislativo local. Já 759 municípios (48,4%) utilizavam prestação de serviços e/ou realizavam processo licitatório.
Menos da metade (46,1%) das cidades que possuem planos municipais de saneamento básico direcionam esforços para ações emergenciais e de contingências

obs: Quem será que está atedendo a Portaria 2914

6 de nov. de 2012

Portaria 2914 Perguntas e Respostas


A SETRI com o objetivo de auxiliar o entendimento da Portaria 2914, divulga o material apresentado pelo Ministério da Saúde.

Lembramos da importância do Plano de Segurança no uso da Água (Water Safety Plan)


PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS SOBRE A PORTARIA MS N° 2.914/2011       

O Programa Nacional de Vigilância da Qualidade da Água para Consumo Humano – Vigiagua acaba de lançar o documento PERGUNTAS E RESPOSTAS SOBRE A PORTARIA MS N° 2.914/2011.

O documento é destinado aos técnicos do Vigiagua das Secretarias Estaduais e Municipais de Saúde, aos responsáveis pelo sistema ou solução alternativa coletiva de abastecimento de água para consumo humano, aos técnicos das agências reguladoras, aos técnicos dos Laboratórios de Saúde Pública, além de outros profissionais que atuam na vigilância e no controle da qualidade da água para consumo humano.

A publicação foi elaborada com o objetivo de esclarecer as principais dúvidas relacionadas à atual Portaria de Potabilidade da Água para Consumo Humano (Portaria MS n° 2.914/2011), e está organizado segundo os capítulos da própria norma.

http://189.28.128.179:8080/pisast/saude-ambiental/vigiagua/publicacoes-e-manuais/PERGUNTAS%20E%20RESPOSTAS%20SOBRE%20A%20PORTARIA%20MS%20N%202%20914%20_2011_%20_3_%20_2_%20-2.pdf

4 de nov. de 2012

Las dudas sobre la verdadera causa de la muerte de Blanca Vicuña

La niña se habría contagiado de la bacteria legionelosis, conocida como la enfermedad del legionario y del aire acondicionado.
ESPERA. En las próximas horas habría un parte oficial de las clínica en donde estuvo internada Blanca Vicuña. FOTO TOMADA DE SPM.CL
           
BUENOS AIRES.- El Calvario que culminó con la muerte de Blanca Vicuña, la hija de la modelo Carolina "Pampita" Ardohain y el actor chileno Benjamín Vicuña, por una neumonía hemorrágica comenzó el jueves 30 de agosto. Ese día, la pequeña fue internada en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UTI) de la Clínica Las Condes, en Santiago del Chile.

Tras unas vacaciones en la Riviera Maya, nadie imaginó que la familia Vicuña-Ardohain iba a pasar por este terrible momento. Al regresar a Chile, la salud de Blanca, de seis años, comenzó a complicarse severamente. Lo que empezó como un resfrío cuando estaban en la playa se convirtió en un cuadro mucho más preocupante: ganglios inflamados y fiebre determinaron que sus padres la lleven a la Clínica Las Condes de la capital chilena donde quedó internada, informó el diario porteño "La Nación".

Según los primeros rumores, se trababa de una extraña bacteria que se alojó en el cuerpo de la niña de seis años durante las vacaciones familiares en Cancún. A pesar de permanecer internada durante nueve días, nunca hubo un parte médico oficial de la clínica para saber cuál era la enfermedad que padecía, pese a esfuerzo de los medios de comunicación por conseguir detalles de la situación.

Por ello, agregó el matutino, surgieron versiones extraoficiales y sólo Mirtha Legrand, suegra de Gonzalo Valenzuela -el mejor amigo de Vicuña- afirmó hace algunos días que se trata de dos bacterias y que por ello le tenían que dar antibióticos para combatirlas.

Mientras se espera el parte oficial de la clínica, hay indicios de que se trata de la bacteria legionelosis, conocida como la enfermedad del legionario y del aire acondicionado. (Lanacion.com-Infobae.com)

¿Qué es la legionelosis?

La legionelosis es una enfermedad cuyo reconocimiento se produjo en 1976. El motivo hay que buscarlo en una convención de legionarios –de ahí su nombre– que tuvo lugar en Estados Unidos, concretamente en un hotel de Filadelfia. Desde entonces se empezaron a identificar otros brotes que se remontan hasta el año 1947. La mayoría de los casos se presentan como hechos únicos y aislados. Las epidemias son relativamente raras.

La bacteria legionela
La legionelosis es una infección bacteriana que no se transmite de persona a persona. La bacteria accede al organismo a través de la respiración. Tiene su hábitat natural en el agua, y cuando se dan las condiciones idóneas, puede desarrollarse de un modo desmesurado. Estas condiciones incluyen la temperatura, el estancamiento o el mantenimiento inadecuado de ciertas instalaciones, como pueden ser los sistemas de climatización, fuentes o sistemas de distribución de agua caliente.

Informe de La Gaceta

Este caso ocorreu em setembro de 2012 e até o momento não se definiu exatamente o que de fato ocorreu. Existe a suspeita de legionella.

31 de out. de 2012

Water Safety Plan Legionella (Plano de segurança no uso da Água e a Legionella)

Water Safety Plan Is Needed to Combat Legionella

Today’s tip: Legionnaire’s disease is still a threat, and facility managers should have a plan to combat it.

Legionnaire’s Disease does not make headlines the way it used to. But that does not mean the pneumonia caused by the bacteria, legionella, is no longer a risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control, between 8,000 and 10,000 people wind up in the hospital every year because of legionella. And those numbers may well underestimate the extent of the problem, says CDC, because many cases are either not diagnosed or not reported. Summer is the biggest problem time, but the illness can strike 12 months of the year. And Legionnaire’s Disease is a serious condition, leading to death in 5 to 30 percent of cases, according to CDC.

People contract the disease by inhaling a mist or vapor contaminated with legionella. Sources of the problem include plumbing systems, cooling towers, humidifiers, whirlpools, fountains and mist machines.

The only way to determine if legionella is present is to test the water, says Matthew Frieje, president of HC Info. The bacteria can be present in well-maintained systems, not just systems that are poorly maintained, he says.

Facility managers should take steps to ensure that their facilities’ water systems do not become breeding grounds for legionella. The World Health Organization recommends developing a water safety plan to evaluate risks of exposure to legionella. A water safety plan assesses hazards and ranks them in order of priority. It also calls for ongoing operational monitoring of control measures, such as the use of biocides, the prevention of stagnant water and the keeping of water temperature outside of the range in which legionella grows the best, to the extent possible. Legionella grows best in water temperatures between 20 C (68 F) and 50 C (122 F)

A SETRI vem trabalhando no processo do Water Safety Plan para a Legionella (Risk Assessment), utilizando o HACCP, modelo recomndado pela ASHRAE.


Legionella pode provocar problemas respiratórios, pela inalação de gotículas de água contaminada.
Precisa de mais informações acesse www.setri.com.br



30 de out. de 2012

PVT teste para Legionella

Phigenics, LLC has again achieved the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) certification for the detection, recovery and enumeration of Legionella in water samples. Phigenics has successfully passed the two rounds of proficiency testing necessary to obtain this recertification. Phigenics was one of the first commercial labs to achieve this certification in 2009.

The Phigenics Validation Test (PVT) is a field method for the quantitative determination of viable Legionella and total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria. This method has been proven reliable for determining viable cell concentrations of Legionella pneumophila, Legionella species and total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria. In comparison to standard methods, the new protocol has been shown to be more accurate, faster and more convenient.

Measuring viable Legionella and other bacteria using standard culture methods requires shipment of water samples to an analytical laboratory. The results typically take 12-14 days which can leave facilities in a holding pattern. The shipment of water samples can cause unpredictable changes. In some water samples, viable bacteria increase during transit and in other samples they decrease. When the facility receives their Legionella results, these challenges can make interpretation and decision-making difficult.

The patents pending Phigenics Validation Test (PVT) completely eliminates the need to ship water samples, thereby giving more reliable data about the water system. The PVT is a field sampling protocol to obtain viable cell counts (CFU/ml) for total heterotrophic aerobic bacteria, Legionella pneumophila (serogroup 1 and serogroups 2-14) and all non-pneumophila Legionella species. Data is obtained for the exact moment when the PVT Field sampler contacts the water sample, which means shipment of water samples to a laboratory is not required. Additionally, the time required to obtain results is reduced 75-80% compared to the Standard Method for Legionella.

 

27 de out. de 2012

Legionella bacteria found in two shower heads at Oak Park and River Forest High School

Bacteria can very rarely lead to Legionnaires' disease. Problem discovered during routine water testing.

Bacteria that in rare instances may cause Legionnaires' disease have been found in one shower head in both the boys and girls freshmen locker rooms at Oak Park and River Forest High School, school officials said Friday afternoon.

The bacteria were discovered during a water-quality test the school was conducting as part of a new maintenance program, the school announced Friday afternoon via an email to families. Superintendent Steven Isoye stressed that there have been no cases of Legionnaires' disease found among students or staff.

"This morning we were notified that traces of Legionella bacteria were found. …We immediately isolated and closed these showers. As a precautionary measure, we also closed the other showers as well, until we could thoroughly consult with experts about the appropriate next steps," Isoye said.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Legionella bacteria are commonly found in water. It grows best in warm water and in places such as hot tubs, cooling towers or large plumbing systems. Air-conditioning systems in large buildings are known to carry the bacteria, according to the CDC. Legionnaires' disease, a respiratory illness, is caused by the bacteria, but most people exposed to the bacteria do not become ill.

24 de out. de 2012

INFANT'S FATAL LEGIONELLA INFECTION LINKED TO HOME HUMIDIFIER


A free standing cold water humidifier was linked to a Legionella (Lp1) infection in an infant that had for six weeks also been receiving corticosteroid treatment for shortness of breath and wheezing. The humidifier had been filled with tap water and not regularly cleaned. The infant was admitted to the hospital in February this year due to high fever, cough, wheezing, and vomiting, and died two weeks later despite antibiotic treatment. The report is posted at http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20293.

15 de out. de 2012

Legionnaires' disease found in water at Seneca Towers


Legionnaires’ disease bacteria have been found in the water at the Seneca Towers apartment complex, apparently leading to at least two known cases of the illness.
Residents at the high-rise apartment building at 200 Seth Green Drive have been told not to use the water because of the positive testing.
“To reduce potential health risks to residents,” said Jeffrey Hammond, a spokesman for the New York State Department of Health, “the facility has implemented infection control measures on the recommendation of the state and county health departments, which include a number of water-use restrictions.”

obs: Este caso como muitos outros, indica que podemos ter problemas com a Legionella em qualquer ambiente, inclusive em nossa própria casa.

4 de out. de 2012

Risk Assessment Legionella - Uruguay, Argentina e Chile

A SETRI passa a atender com seus serviços de Avaliação de Risco (Risk Assessment) para Legionella, Water Safety Plan e Indoor Air Quality os paises: Uruguay, Argentina e Chile.
Com isso estamos levando aos paises da America Latina todo nosso conhecimento nos temas.

27 de set. de 2012

Palestra sobre a bactéria Legionella - Brasindoor

 
Prof. Dr. Dario com o Dr. Szymon da Covisa durante a paletra

                                          Palestra sobre Legionella

 
Dr.Gustavo e Prof. Dr. Dario após palestra sobre a Legionella
 

Paletra sobre Legionella - Prof. Dr. Dario Zamboni


A paletra do Dr Dario (Universidade São Paulo - Faculdade de Medicina Ribeirão Preto), um dos maiores especialistas sobre pesquisa da bactéria Legionella, foi um sucesso no dia de hoje no Congresso da Brasindoor.
Tudo que estamos falando a muito tempo sobre a bactéria Legionella foi apresentado pelo Prof. Dr. Dario.

26 de set. de 2012

Alguns casos de Legionella

Blaines, Spain, Sept. 2012
As of late September, a total of 11 males and 3 females ranging from 47 to 82 years of age have contracted Legionnaires' in Blaines, Spain. Several patients were hospitalized but responded well to treatment.
Major Outbreak in Quebec City, July-Sept 2012
A total of 180 people contracted Legionnaires' disease from July through mid September, 13 of whom have died. A cooling tower at an office building was declared by authorities to be the source of the outbreak based on finding identical Legionella strains in the tower and several patients.
Chicago hotel, July-Aug 2012
Ten people who visited or stayed at a downtown Chicago hotel between mid-July and mid-August contracted Legionnaires' disease, three of whom have since died. A decorative fountain in the hotel's main lobby is the suspected source.
Stoke-on-Trent, England, hot tub, 19 cases, July 2012
Investigators believe that a hot tub in a store is the probable source of a Legionnaires' outbreak in Stoke-on-Trent based on water test results and epidemiologic evidence. As of today, 19 cases have been confirmed, 8 patients are still hospitalized, and one person has died.
Major outbreak in Scotland, May-July 2012
Between the end of May and mid July, a total of 101 confirmed or suspected cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified in Edinburgh. Three men who had underlying health conditions have died. The investigators suspected a cooling tower in a densely populated area of the city but have not been able to confirm a source.
Restaurant in Spain, 25 cases, June 2012
Based on epidemiologic evidence, investigators determined a restaurant in Mostoles (near Madrid) to be the probable source of 12 confirmed and 13 possible cases of Legionnaires' disease that occurred in late June. The 18 men and 7 women ranged from 35 to 87 years of age. The restaurant was allowed by authorities to remain open for business. The report did not mention a suspected water system.
Auckland, New Zealand, 16 Cases, Feb-May 2012
Sixteen cases of Legionnaires' disease have been identified in Auckland, New Zealand since late February. Two persons have died, both of whom had underlying illness. Because the outbreak was widely dispersed and the investigators had no obvious links, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service issued a press release asking operators of commercial and industrial buildings to shock dose cooling towers. More than 600 cooling towers were disinfected. A definite link between cooling towers and the outbreak has not been established.
Hotel in Spain, 14 Cases, 3 Deaths, Jan-Feb 2012
A four-star hotel in Calpe was temporarily closed and its water systems disinfected after Legionnaires' disease was reported in several guests. A total of 14 cases have been identified. At least nine persons were hospitalized and three have died. The deaths occurred on January 26 and 31 and February 2.
Hotel in Albany, NY, 6 Cases, Sept-Dec 2011
Laboratory tests confirmed Legionnaires' disease in six persons who had stayed at the same hotel in Albany, NY between September and December. All six have recovered. Legionella was found in the hotel's plumbing system, which was to be flushed on February 5th. An additional two cases were identified in guests who stayed at the same hotel in May 2012. The hotel voluntarily closed after those cases were reported.
Hotel in Las Vegas, 3 Cases, 2011 and 2012
Legionnaires' disease was confirmed in three people who stayed at a resort in Las Vegas. The first two cases were reported in Spring 2011; both recovered. The third case, reported January 2012, has died. According to the Southern Nevada Health District, Legionella was not found in water samples collected after the first two cases were reported but was found in samples tested last month. A hotel spokesperson said the water systems were superheated and hyperchlorinated immediately after the water test results were reported. Sources: 8newsnow.com and huffingtonpost.com
Travelers to Greece, 9 cases, Aug.-Oct. 2011 Nine cases of LD have been identified in the UK among people who had traveled to the Greek island Corfu since August. UK and Greek public health officials are investigating potential sources in both the UK and Corfu.
Pittsburgh nursing homes, 10 cases, Sept. 2011 In September the Allegheny County (Pennsylvania) Health Department initiated an investigation of the domestic water systems in two nursing homes where a total of 10 cases of Legionnaires' disease were identified. Three of the cases required hospitalization but no deaths were reported. Source: pittsburghlive.com.
Hotel in Ocean City, MD, 3 cases, Sept. 2011
A hotel in Ocean City, Maryland relocated its guests to other Ocean City hotels and closed early for the season, on September 29th, after the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) reported three cases of Legionnaires' disease among people who had stayed there. Each of the three cases developed Legionnaires' symptoms about a week after their stay at the hotel and were hospitalized.
Hamilton, Ontario, 4 cases, Aug.-Sept. 2011Health officials are investigating four cases of Legionnaires' disease, the first of which was reported in mid August and the other three since Sept. 22, to determine whether there is a common source. The investigators focused on cooling towers located on the east side of the city. Source: thespec.com
UK hospital, Aug. 2011
In August the UK's Health and Safety Executive, as well as the police, investigated a fatal case of Legionnaires' disease that occurred in a patient of an Essex hospital where three other patients died from Legionella infections in the last nine years. Three cases were identified at the hospital in 2010, one of which was fatal. The hospital said that it has been disinfecting and monitoring its plumbing system since the first case of Legionnaires' was identified there in 2002. Sources: basildonrecorder.co.uk and bbc.co.uk
Travelers to Italy, 17 cases, July-Aug. 2011
Seventeen cases of Legionnaires' disease were reported in travelers who stayed at two campsites and three hotels in Lazise, Italy between early July and the end of August. Their ages ranged from 42 to 78 years. Sixteen of the cases were confirmed by urinary antigen tests. None of the cases resulted in death. The cases were discovered through the European Legionnaires' Disease Surveillance Network (ELDSNet).
Shredding plant workers, July 2011
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently investigated five cases of Legionnaires' Disease in workers at a shredding plant in upstate New York. The last of the five cases was identified in July. Legionella was found in water samples collected from several pools of standing water, in water dripping from the shredder (Water is used for cooling and lubrication in the shredders.), and on swabs of a conveyor belt. The investigators believed that standing water was the source of contamination. All the workers who were Legionella-positive worked around standing water or near a conveyor. The NIOSH report, dated July 22, 2011, recommended that all standing water be eliminated in the facility and on the grounds, that workers in the areas where cases occurred wear respirators, and that conveyors be disinfected with chlorine. Source: Times-Shamrock
Las Vegas hotel, July 2011Legionnaires' disease was reported in guests of a hotel on the Las Vegas strip this month. Health officials investigated the same hotel last year after reports of the disease. Legionella was found in the hot water system in several guest rooms.
Cleveland nursing home, 3 cases, June 2011
Three residents of a Cleveland nursing and rehab facility were hospitalized with Legionnaires' disease in June. The facility provided bottled drinking water and restricted showers until the water system was disinfected. Source: cleveland.com
New Zealand, 3 cases, April 2011 Three New Zealand men who worked near one another contracted Legionnaires' disease in April. Health officials focused their investigation on cooling towers. Source: radionz.co.nz
Hotel in Scotland, Mar. 2011
A hotel in Scotland closed its an indoor heated pool and spa and other "leisure club" facilities in March after employees and guests reported flu-like symptoms. One person was hospitalized with confirmed Legionnaires' disease. In all, 112 people contracted a flu-like illness with respiratory infection.
Playboy mansion, Feb. 2011
According to the Los Angeles County Health Department, about 200 people who attended a February 3rd fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion were infected by Legionella bacteria. Four of them contracted Legionnaires' disease; the rest had Pontiac fever, a flu-like illness that lasts about three days. News reports mentioned a fog machine at the event. [Pontiac fever has a much higher attack rate than does Legionnaires' disease, > 90% as opposed to < 5%, and a shorter incubation period, usually 6-48 hours as opposed to 2-14 days. -- mrf]
Ohio hospital, 4 cases, Feb. 2011 Four heart patients of a new hospital in Ohio were diagnosed with confirmed Legionnaires' disease this month, three of whom have been discharged. The hospital is investigating the plumbing system in its new patient tower, which began admitting patients in late December.
Eye clinic in UK, 3 cases, Jan. 2011 An outpatient eye clinic operated at a hospital in the UK was closed for the first three weeks of this year after a staff member and two of its patients were diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease. The results of the investigation were not reported. Source: Ealing Gazette
Hotels in Virgin Islands, March 2010-Aug 2011
It was announced in December that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked five Legionnaires' disease cases reported between March 2010 and August 2011 to two hotels in Saint Thomas. All five persons required hospitalization but recovered.

19 de set. de 2012

Legionnaires Disease Outbreak in PA Puts Hotel Guests at Risk

At a hotel in Grantville, one person and possibly more have been infected by bacteria that cause the deadly Legionnaires’ disease. A source at the Pennsylvania Department of Health is confident that recent guests who may have been exposed to Legionella bacteria have been notified and that “… there is no reason to believe there is a general risk to the community.”
People with Legionnaires’ disease, also known as Legionellosis, are generally infected after inhaling airborne particles containing the bacteria. When large water systems are poorly maintained, Legionella can quickly breed and contaminate components such as faucets and showers or even hot tubs and central air conditioning systems. Though the bacteria can be detected with a simple water test, many buildings have not implemented testing guidelines.
Up to 30 percent of Legionnaires’ disease can result in death according to the Centers for Disease Control. When antibiotic treatment is delayed, fatalities can reach up to 50 percent.

18 de set. de 2012

Legionella - Dentistas

Primary Care Dentists & Legionella Control

Primary Care Dentists & Legionella Control

Second Element provides vital advice and control measures to ensure the health and safety of dental staff and patients by controlling legionella bacteria within dental unit water lines.
Richard Danielson, Director of Second Element, said research at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research, Porton Down, showed that of 55 water samples from dental surgeries in the south-west of England, 52 samples failed the European Union drinking-water safety standards.
Water lines were found to contain bacteria including legionella. Oral streptococci, normally present in the oral cavity, was found in 10% of the samples tested. Studies have shown that up to 25% cent of DUWLs are contaminated with legionella and 95% of water in general dental practice DUWLs fails current EU potable-water guidelines on microbial load.
Legionella bacteria can be transmitted to dental staff and patients by inhalation of contaminated water droplets or aerosol generated by water-cooled high speed dental instruments. It is therefore essential to ensure that the water used during dental procedures is of a quality that does not pose any threat or risk to health to either staff or the patient.
All dental practices must perform a legionella risk assessment plus water quality testing performed. Each dental practice must also have a written document of procedures and measures to maintain the control of legionella. This must be devised by a competent person who can be a member of the Legionella Control Association.

13 de set. de 2012

Fabio Feldmann no Congresso do GBCB

Nosso encontro com o Fabio Feldmann, no Congresso do GBCB. O tema que conversamos foi sobre o "Plano de Segurança no uso da Água".
Além do tema, tivemos a oportunidade de receber do Fabio um exemplar do seu livro "Sustentabilidade Planetária, onde eu entro nisso ? ".


Plano de Segurança no uso da Água - Water Safety Plan

Nossa apresentação sobre o Plano de Segurança no uso da Água - Water Safety Plan, no Congresso do GBCB hoje em São Paulo.
 
 





Congresso GBCB 2012 - Sofitel Jequitimar Guarujá - Accor



Apresentação do Luis Fernando, do Hotel Sofitel Jequitimar Guarujá, foi excelente, onde o tema foi o descarte zero de água do hotel.
Foi demonstrado que as possibilidades existem e podemos sim ter sistemas realmente sustentáveis.
Além da apresentação, realizada hoje, um grupo de participantes estiveram ontem no próprio Hotel visitando as instalações para conhecer todo o processo desenvolvido.
Temos que parabenizar a grande iniciativa do Sofitel Jequitimar Guarujá.

Congresso GBCB 2012

Hoje o dia foi bem movimentado, grandes palestras e encontro com a liderança do movimento das melhores práticas para contrução e operação de edificações sustentáveis.
O Congresso sem dúvida foi um sucesso.




12 de set. de 2012

Congresso do GBCB

Mais um dia bem movimentado, excelentes palestras e encontro com grandes amigos.
O movimento do GBCB está a cada dia mais forte.