Legionella is a genus of bacteria that can cause serious respiratory infections, including the potentially fatal Legionnaires’ disease. These bacteria thrive in water systems, particularly in environments like building plumbing systems, cooling towers, and hot tubs. Effective control of Legionella is essential to maintaining safe water systems and protecting public health.
Chlorine dioxide is a powerful oxidizing agent that effectively targets and eliminates Legionella bacteria. Unlike other disinfectants, it can penetrate biofilms—slimy layers of bacteria that shield Legionella from traditional treatments. By oxidizing the cell walls of Legionella, it destroys the bacteria, making it an excellent choice for maintaining Legionella-free water systems.
It offers several advantages over other disinfectants when it comes to treating Legionella:
It is versatile and can be used to treat Legionella in various water systems, including:
It can be generated on-site or purchased as a pre-generated solution. It is typically injected into the water system at a concentration of 0.4-0.7 mg/L. To effectively control Legionella, it is important to maintain a residual concentration of 0.1-0.5 mg/L throughout the water system. This ensures continuous protection against bacterial growth.
While it is a highly effective disinfectant, it is important to handle it with care. It is a gas and can be hazardous if inhaled. Additionally, it is important to avoid direct contact with solutions, as they can irritate the skin and eyes. Here are some additional safety considerations:
Before implementing it for Legionella treatment, it is crucial to consult with a qualified water treatment professional. They can help you determine the appropriate concentration, application method, and safety measures to ensure effective and safe Legionella control in your water system.
Chlorine dioxide is a powerful and effective solution for controlling Legionella bacteria in various water systems. By choosing chlorine dioxide, you can protect your building’s water systems from Legionella and ensure a safe environment for all users.
Legionella is a genus of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious respiratory infection. It can grow in water systems, including building plumbing systems, cooling towers, and hot tubs.
Chlorine dioxide kills Legionella by oxidizing their cell walls. It is also effective at penetrating and removing biofilms, which protect Legionella bacteria from other disinfectants.
Chlorine dioxide is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, works over a broad pH range, penetrates biofilms, is stable in water, and is non-corrosive to most metals.
Chlorine dioxide can be used in various water systems, including building plumbing systems, cooling towers, hot tubs, industrial water systems, and municipal water systems.
Chlorine dioxide can be generated on-site or purchased pre-generated. It should be injected into the water system at a concentration of 0.4-0.7 mg/L, maintaining a residual concentration of 0.1-0.5 mg/L to control Legionella.
Chlorine dioxide is a gas and can be hazardous if inhaled. It can also irritate the skin and eyes upon contact. Additionally, it may react with some chemicals in water to form harmful byproducts and cause corrosion in metals like copper and brass.
It’s important to consult with a qualified water treatment professional to ensure proper use and safety when applying chlorine dioxide for Legionella control in your water system.
