Swim and soak in water is a very enjoyable activity. Moreover, if the water used is hot water. Some people even make these activities as part of disease treatment and recovery process. In certain people, the water can create a psychological calming effect. However, water can also be a gathering place for disease-causing micro-organisms, one of which is disease-causing bacterium Legionella legionellosis.
The risk of Legionella bacteria contamination of hot tubs can be reduced by applying good control system for security maintenance of the water (water safety plan), especially the pool water. This task is the responsibility of the owner of the bathing pool. The World Health Organizations / WHO in 2007 has developed a method Water Safety Plan (WSP), particularly those associated with Legionella bacteria in hot spring resorts, swimming pools, and spa center. Some risk factors to be considered and controlled so that the bacteria Legionella contamination of pool water can be reduced, among which are:
The risk of Legionella bacteria contamination of hot tubs can be reduced by applying good control system for security maintenance of the water (water safety plan), especially the pool water. This task is the responsibility of the owner of the bathing pool. The World Health Organizations / WHO in 2007 has developed a method Water Safety Plan (WSP), particularly those associated with Legionella bacteria in hot spring resorts, swimming pools, and spa center. Some risk factors to be considered and controlled so that the bacteria Legionella contamination of pool water can be reduced, among which are:
- The quality of water sources be used. Source water contains organic material and minerals are high, may increase the potential growth of Legionella bacteria in an optimal, especially in the hot water temperature conditions. This means, the potential of bacterium Legionella contamination becomes greater. Pipe water used to fill the pool water needs to be cleaned regularly with a disinfectant solution so that Legionella bacteria that may exist, will not linger at home inhabit water pipes and warm water pool.
- Nutrients factors. Nutrients for bacterial growth may come from users of the facility pool. Turbulence that occurs in hot tubs may increase the risk of nutrient materials such as dead skin cells, cosmetics, and body lotion, regardless of the swimmer's body. Material will accumulate and nutrients are more optimally stimulate bacterial growth. It can be aggravated if the swimmers do not wash up and discard the water first before entering the pool.
- Disinfectant factors. The concentration of disinfectant solution used to kill bacteria should be adjusted to the extent pool that is used and the estimated number of users of the facility pool. Systematics of the disinfectant at least be able to refer to the WSP method that has been compiled by WHO.
- Educational factors. Knowledge of the owner of a swimming pool sanitation and officers on risk factors and how to prevent and control contamination of micro-organisms is necessary to be improved. This was done by the training and seminars on a regular basis. The importance of cleaning facilities and infrastructure that exist in the pool on a regular basis, it helps prevent the growth of Legionella bacteria grow to levels that endanger human health.
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| Legionella Pneumophila (Picture from: http://www.clinicalcorrelations.org/) |
In order for these four risk factors can be controlled precisely, it takes a good cooperation between the owner of a swimming facility beseita all of its employees and users of the pool facility for legionellosis outbreaks of disease do not have to happen. Both parties must each recognize the importance of maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. Governments also need to take control and periodic supervision of the cleanliness of public facilities that are widely used and popular society. Thus, it can immediately take strategic actions necessary to prevent an outbreak of disease. Basically, the growth of micro-organisms can be controlled if we are to understand the nature of the chemical, physical, and biological. *** [RA. LAKSMI PRITI MANOHARA | PIKIRAN RAKYAT 15092011]
