Dangers of Legionnaires’ Disease Found in Hot Tubs
Hot tubs have become so popular during lockdown as more people are forced to spend time at home and in their garden. I’m sure you know at least one person who purchased a lockdown hot tub.
Seen as a popular way to relax with family and friends, especially on a warm summer evening means sales have recently sky-rocketed.
eBay reports hot tub orders rose by 1,080% in April, and 276% year-on-year from 22 March to 6 June.
Google Searches
Searches for hot tubs on Google have also increased drastically over the past three months, since the UK has been in lockdown.
Hidden Danger
However, there is a hidden danger that many people who are purchasing hot tubs do not always realise and that is water safety and the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.
Dangers of Legionnaires’ Disease
Legionella bacteria can cause a potentially fatal form of pneumonia, Legionnaires’ disease, which is contracted by inhaling water droplets.
The combination of warm weather and stagnant water creates the perfect environment for Legionella bacteria to develop.
Why is a hot tub a potential danger?
The legionella bacteria can live in hot tubs, spa baths and even garden hoses.
Kevin Wellman, CEO of the CIPHE commented, “While all man-made hot and cold water systems can provide an environment ripe for the Legionella bacteria to multiply, not everyone realises it can also thrive in places such as hot tubs, whirlpool baths, compost heaps and even garden hoses. The growing popularity in hot tubs means that many more families now have a potential source of an outbreak within their own gardens.”
Figures from Public Health England show a seasonal rise in cases from June to October.
Water Hygiene Services is a member of the LegionellaControl Association, so you can be assured of the quality service we provide when it comes to Legionella Risk Assessments, Water Monitoring and all your other water services needs such as Mains Chlorinations.
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