Scientists and health professionals are warning building owners to heed the risk of Legionella prior to reopening buildings after COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns.
The risk of this deadly disease is elevated after extended shutdowns because stagnant water in HVAC systems can be a breeding ground for the Legionella bacteria. NSF Health Sciences and the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) are hosting a virtual special session of the annual Legionella Conference on March 9-10, 2021.
“This virtual event will provide opportunity for experts from leading organizations to share insights and global perspective on an interactive platform,” according to a news release. “Specific topics include technical risk management and sampling strategies, safe reopening of buildings, and state-issued COVID-19 guidance related to water management, emergency planning and resiliency strategies to return to normal operations and prevent further public health hazards during a crisis.”
Online resources are available now at the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/building-water-system.html) and NSF Health Sciences (https://www.nsf.org/
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 1, 2019
Resiliency of a community’s housing stock can be measured according to new benchmark
Metric can help municipalities prepare for disasters.
Codes and Standards | Oct 31, 2019
FEMA, ICC release updated guide on integrating I-Codes into floodplain management regulations
Provides advice on satisfying requirements for the National Flood Insurance Program.
Codes and Standards | Oct 30, 2019
ILFI releases new version of Living Building Challenge Framework for Affordable Housing
Document includes updated findings, case studies, new strategies for financing, designing, building affordable housing.
Codes and Standards | Oct 28, 2019
U.S. military demands landlords address health hazards in troop housing
Air Force threatens formal dispute process.
Codes and Standards | Oct 24, 2019
ASHRAE design contest winners demonstrate building resilience
Model building, a city hall, could operate without utility service for two weeks.
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2019
Efficient material design, low-carbon concrete are critical to cutting GHG emissions in construction
Enhancing building utilization and reusing materials also aid carbon reduction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2019
Historic properties not exempt from Americans With Disabilities Act
Some exceptions do apply.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2019
St. Louis could save $61 million per year in energy costs by improved building performance
GHG gases can be reduced by at least 11% with upgrades to public buildings and large private buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2019
Slow payments cost GCs and subs $64 billion annually
Study finds 51-day average payment turnaround.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2019
Cool pavement can make people hotter
Reflective coatings channel sunlight raising temperatures where pedestrians walk.
