Problem #15:
Serious Building-Related
Illness
Some building-related illnesses can be lifethreatening.
Even a single confirmed
diagnosis (which involves results from
specific medical tests) should provoke an
immediate and vigorous response.
Examples
Legionnaire’s disease
(Note: If you suspect Legionnaire’s
disease, call the local public health
department, check for obvious problem
sites, and take corrective action. There is
no way to be certain that a single case of
this disease is associated with building
occupancy; therefore, public health
agencies usually do not investigate single
cases. Watch for new cases.)
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
(Note: Affected occupant(s) should be
removed and may not be able to return
unless the causative agent is removed from
the affected person’s environment.)
Solutions
Work with public health authorities
evacuation may be recommended or
required
Remove source
drain, clean, and decontaminate drip
pans, cooling towers, room unit air
conditioners, humidifiers, dehumidifiers,
and other habitats of Legionella, fungi,
and other organisms using appropriate
protective equipment