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Why Some Homeowners and Tenants Should Consider Testing their Homes for Legionella

Legionella Testing Services

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	8/16/2024
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	Why Some Homeowners and Tenants Should Consider Testing their Homes for Legionella
Introduction	EMSL Analytical offers easy-to-use test kits to analyze household water samples for Legionella, the microbial pathogen that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever, to protect vulnerable populations.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 16, 2024 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that cases of Legionnaires' disease have been increasing since the early 2000s. Legionnaires' disease is a type of pneumonia caused by a bacteria known as Legionella. Tragically, CDC also warns that about 1 out of every 10 people who gets sick with Legionnaires' disease will die due to complications from their illness. For those who get Legionnaires' disease during a stay in a healthcare facility, the odds are even worse with about 1 out of every 4 not surviving, according to the agency. People can get Legionnaires' disease when they breathe in water droplets or a mist that contains the bacteria. Legionella is found naturally in freshwater environments and can become a health concern when it multiplies in a home or building water system. Some common sources of aerosolized water droplets include showers, hot tubs, faucets, cooling towers, misters, and decorative fountains. While most healthy people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, those at increased risk include: Current or former smokers People 50 years or older People with a weak immune system People with specific health issues or conditions “In homes with vulnerable individuals, testing the home or building water for the bacteria is a consideration,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The New Jersey Department of Health has even published a brochure about Legionnaires’ disease and household water. Proactive measures that test manmade water systems can be an important step in preventing illnesses.” To help in this effort, EMSL Analytical, with dozens of laboratories across North America, provides testing services and sampling supplies. They even offer an easy-to-use test kit to collect samples to be analyzed from water sources in homes, condos, apartments, and other sources. 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.