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by Matthew R. Freije (Author)
Tens of thousands of people contract Legionnaires' disease each year, 5 to 30% of whom die from it within a few days. You can get the disease while showering, brushing your teeth, drinking water, washing your face, bathing in a hot tub, or walking by a decorative fountain. Legionnaires' disease is not rare. People just think it's rare because over 90% of the cases go undetected. Many deaths attributed to pneumonia are actually caused by Legionella bacteria.In simple language, Legionella expert Matt Freije explains how to avoid the disease in public places-for example, in hospitals, office buildings, and hotels-and how to reduce your risk at work, at the dentist, and from various types of equipment like misters, cooling towers, decorative fountains, hot tubs, and whirlpool bathtubs.The book starts with facts you need to know about Legionnaires' disease: causes, symptoms, susceptibility, death rate, diagnosis, undetected cases.The survivor stories in chapter 2 will make you realize how horrible the disease is, and that it can affect anyone.The last chapter tells how to avoid the disease at home. Advice is given about faucets and showers, water heaters, softeners, filters, humidifiers, and home construction.
Author Biography
Matt Freije is a consultant, author, and course instructor specializing in Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. He earned a bachelors of science degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University, a Water Treatment Plant Operations Specialist certificate from California State University, Sacramento, and is a Certified Water Specialist. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE), the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the International Water Association (IWA), and the Water Quality Association (WQA). He is the author of several articles, a frequent guest speaker, and the editor of Legionella E-news, an international newsletter that covers outbreaks and new technology. Freije has been interviewed on radio and TV and by many newspapers and magazines. His book Legionellae Control in Health Care Facilities: A Guide for Minimizing Risk, an award finalist, has sold in more than 30 countries.
