After Coronavirus, Office Workers Might Face Unexpected Health Threats

[dalton99a]

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/health/coronavirus-legionnaires-offices.html

After Coronavirus, Office Workers Might Face Unexpected Health Threats
Stagnant plumbing systems in emptied commercial buildings could put returning employees at risk of Legionnaires’ and other illnesses.
By Max Horberry
May 20, 2020

Office buildings once filled with employees emptied out in many cities and states as shelter-in-place orders were issued. These structures, normally in constant use, have been closed off and shut down, and health risks might be accumulating in unseen ways.

“The buildings aren’t designed to be left alone for months,” said Andrew Whelton, an associate professor of civil, environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University.

Dr. Whelton, other researchers and public health authorities have issued warnings about the plumbing in these buildings, where water may have gone stagnant in the pipes or even in individual taps and toilets. As lockdowns are lifted, bacteria that build up internally may cause health problems for returning workers if the problem is not properly addressed by facilities managers. Employees and guests at hotels, gyms and other kinds of buildings may also be at risk.

Typically, facilities managers reduce the risk of Legionella and other bacteria by pouring small amounts of disinfectant into a building’s water systems. But when the water is left stagnant for too long, the disinfectant disappears.

[fleur-de-lisa]

1. Great. Another thing for office rats to worry about.

[Delmette2.0]

2. Hotels, colleges, local schools, Yikes!!

They need to purge every faucet, shower, toilet and Don't forget employee kitchens.

P.S. Don't forget dishwashers and ice machines.