3.4.7 Other Sources

Many other systems and devices may be potential sources of Legionnaires’ disease. 

Systems and devices that have been shown or implicated in outbreak investigations include:

• humidifier bottles (on clinical oxygen supplies);

• humidified vegetable or meat display cabinets; 

• indoor fountains and natural hot spas; 

• oil-water emulsions (for example, used to lubricate machine tools);

• solar heated hot water systems; and 

• hand-held spray bottles.

In addition, there are other devices that have commonly been perceived as potential sources but have not yet been implicated in outbreak situations. 

These devices include

• vehicle washes;

• outdoor fountains;

• horticultural mist propagation units and other watering or misting systems, and clinical nebulizers.

In general, the approach adopted to sampling these devices is the same as for other systems discussed above. 

Wherever possible, samples that are representative of the water (where aerosols are capable of being produced) should be collected, as should biofilm samples from the surfaces of tanks or other containers.

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Format adapted by T2 Scientific© 2005	t2.200.1.v1.0
	Source: Blue Book 200 Part 1 downloaded 27 May 2005