Deadly Disease in Jacuzzis
2004-09-30
Here’s the latest antidote to having fun: one-quarter of allJacuzzis are breeding grounds for deadly Legionnaire’sDisease.
Andy Coghlan writes in New Scientist that Jacuzzis are riskybecause the hot, swirling waters generate aerosols whichcarry bacteria into the lungs. Jacuzzis are tricky tosterilize because bacteria thrive at the relatively highwater temperatures. “This makes considerable demands on thedisinfecting and filtration systems, making it easy for thebacteria to develop and spread if the system is not properlymaintained,” says health inspector Suzanne Surman-Lee. Also,failing to shower beforehand, and bringing oils, soaps andlotions into the tub, all serve as nutrients for the microbes.
The secret of wisdom isgettingin the gap.