Last Updated on July 26, 2021
Germicidal ultraviolet light emitted from UV-C lamps inactivates many bacteria, mold, and virus that may be present in the air, on surfaces, and in water. Our products use STER-L-RAY® Germicidal UV-C Lamps 
producing ultraviolet wavelengths at 254 nanometers, the region of germicidal effectiveness most destructive to harmful microorganisms including Legionella pneumophila, also known as L. pneumophila.
Legionella pneumophila Classification & UV Dose for Inactivation
| Organism: | Alternate Name: | Type: | Disease: | UV Dose*: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legionella pneumophila | L. pneumophila | Bacteria | Legionnaires’ Disease | 12.30 mJ/cm2 |
Legionella pneumophila is a bacteria that can be found in potable water sources such as fountains, showers, and taps—emerging from the distribution systems of large buildings such as hotels and hospitals. Potential non-potable sources include mist machines, humidifiers, whirlpool spas, cooling towers, and hot springs. In particular, Legionella is found in warm water.
Legionella is contracted through inhalation of bacteria-contaminated droplets, reaching the lungs and multiplying there. It can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and often lethal form of pneumonia. Less often, it presents itself as a flu-like illness called Pontiac fever. Each year, an estimated 10,000 to 18,000 people in the United States are infected with the Legionella bacteria.
According to the CDC , symptoms usually appear from 2 to 10 days after exposure to Legionella and may include:
- high fever
- chills
- cough
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- headaches
- diarrhea
Some individuals may suffer from long-term health effects such as persistence of fatigue, neurologic symptoms, and neuromuscular symptoms.
Who can it affect?
People
Where can it be found?
In Warm Water
What can it infect?
Lungs
How does it spread?
Inhaling Contaminated Droplets
* Nominal Ultraviolet dosage necessary to inactivate better than 99% of microorganisms.
Sources on Legionella:
The above information can be found on the following pages. Please read complete articles to learn more.
- What is Legionnaires’ Disease?
- CDC: Legionella Causes, How it Spreads, and People at Increased Risk
- NCBI: The Life Cycle of L. pneumophila
Learn More & Shop Our Products to Inactivate Legionella pneumophila
Made in the USA from U.S. and imported parts, the Air & Surface Disinfection product lines from Atlantic Ultraviolet Corporation® are constructed of the highest quality materials and use germicidal UV-C lamps to disinfect air and surfaces, inactivating microorganisms like Legionella pneumophila.
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CM-000390
View Our Infographic on Legionella pneumophila
