Would you like to be notified about outbreaks, new publications, seminars, and new technology? Sign up for our free e-newsletter!
Visit riverpower.org!
|
EIA Book Review
Environmental Choices (Vol 6 No. 1, Spring 1997), Environmental Information Association. Reviewed by EIA members, Nick Ganick, Gobbell Hays Partners, Nashville, TN, and Pamela Harvey Hogue, Corporation for Environmental Management, Indianapolis, IN. A new book on Legionellae control was published in 1996 by Matthew R. Freije. Since 1976, when the first outbreak of Legionnaires' disease (the name based on the association with the American Legion meeting) occurred, much has been learned about both the clinical and epidemiological factors of Legionellae, sources, reservoirs, and growth conditions associated with the Legionella bacteria, and detection and control of these organisms. This book serves as an excellent compilation of the aforementioned knowledge which has been gathered, and presents this information from a facility operations perspective. The author has obtained information from over 90 sources to complete this book. Although the title stresses control in Health Care Facilities, this book and the practices and control measures presented can be applied to any commercial facility with similar system components (i.e., cooling towers, domestic water systems, humidifiers, etc.). Hospital facilities are emphasized primarily because of the greater risk of Legionnaires' disease to their susceptible population, immunocompromised persons. In his introduction, Mr. Freije outlines the purpose of the book: "This publication is designed to help the reader
in order to reduce the risks Legionnaires' disease poses to the health care institution." This book presents the material in an outline format, which makes it an easy-to-use reference tool. Mr. Freije explains the necessary steps for Legionellae control, from establishing the action plan and preventive measures for your facility, to sampling, to disinfection, to responding to an outbreak. All aspects of these fundamental areas have been broken down into a concise format with the author including pertinent questions that we would ask ourselves, as environmental professionals, in these situations. Examples of record keeping forms are located in the back of this book, and a resource directory is provided as well. Following a brief introduction in Chapter 1, other chapter highlights of Mr. Freije's book include: Chapter 2 - Brief Facts About Legionella and Legionnaires' disease, including sources and environmental conditions which support the growth of Legionella, and a history of the disease; Chapter 3 - Establishing the Action Plan that is Best for Your Institution, including an evaluation process for the facility manager to use, risk management considerations, the importance of communication, and other elements of an effective action plan; Chapter 4 - Preventive Measures for building system components, including domestic water, cooling towers, HVAC, and decorative fountains; Chapter 5 - Preparing to Do Environmental Sampling, including an informative discussion of sampling and analytical methods, a sampling plan for routine monitoring, and typical associated costs; Chapter 6 - How to Collect Enyironmental Samples: Instructions for Each Screening outlines a step-by-step process for conducting sampling, including recordkeeping and packaging/shipping samples to the laboratory; Chapter 7 - Disinfection: discusses pros and cons of different methods, and provides practical points to consider before taking any action; and Chapter 8 - Responding to an Outbreak advises on preparing for immediate action, key aspects of an investigation, and getting outside help, including screening and selecting consultants. This publication contains very little clinical and microbiological information on the aspects of Legionella; however, if, as an environmental professional, you are looking for a great manual focusing on controlling Legionellae in your facility or your clients' facilities, this is a very valuable book to have. This is a softcover book of 131 pages. Copies of this book may be ordered directly from the publisher: HC Information Resources, Inc., Tel: 1-800-801-8050 Ordering information Item
104, ISBN
0-9649926-4-7,
US$79 If you do not want to order the book by credit card through our secure online system, you may order by check, purchase order, or credit card (Visa, MC, Amex, or Discover) by telephone, fax, or the postal service. Include shipping of $4 to USA, $6 to Canada, or $12 to all other countries (total per order, no matter how many copies). Please order by telephone if you would like Next-day or 2nd-day air (USA only). Contact:
|