Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 21, 2024
In the United States, there is no federal law that requires landlords to test for Legionella, the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease. They are however responsible for ensuring their rental properties are safe for tenants.
Conducting a Legionella risk assessment of a building’s water systems is an important step towards making sure all building occupants are not being exposed to this hazard. Legionella becomes a health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made building water systems. Most infections are due to the inhalation of water droplets or mists that contain the bacteria. Common sources of aerosolized water droplets in rental properties include showers, hot tubs, faucets, misters, and decorative fountains. Some of the places where the bacteria can grow include water heaters, cooling towers, water filters, hoses, pipes, and respiratory equipment.
“Since the early 2000s, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that cases of Legionnaires' disease have been increasing,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Tragically, this disease causes death due to complications from the illness in about 1 out of every 10 people that become infected. Proactively testing rental properties as part of Legionella risk assessment and water management plan can be significant for ensuring rental properties are safe for tenants and their guests. At EMSL, we have made taking a sample and getting the results an affordable and simple process with our easy-to-use Legionella Test Kit.”
To learn more about Legionella testing or to request a test kit, please visit www.LegionellaTesting.com, email info@EMSL.com, or call (800) 220-3675.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.