ALERT Windshield Washer Fluid May Be Source of Legionnaires' Disease

[Creeper]

Here is a very interesting Fox News video interview with a researcher...
[video]http://video.foxnews.com/v/3577693888001/windshield-washer-fluid-linked-to-legionnaires-disease/#sp=show-clips[/video]

here seems to be the original text source:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_146332.html

MONDAY, May 19, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Windshield washer fluid may contain bacteria that cause the deadly form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires' disease, according to a new study.

Researchers found Legionella bacteria in the windshield washer fluid of 75 percent of school buses they tested in one central Arizona school district.

The investigators also discovered that Legionella bacteria can grow in windshield washer fluid and maintain stable populations in the fluid for up to 14 months, according to the study presented May 18 at the American Society for Microbiology's annual meeting.

"Washer fluid spray can release potentially dangerous numbers of these bacteria into the air. These results suggest that automobiles may serve as a source of transmission for Legionella infections," study author Otto Schwake, a doctoral student at Arizona State University, said in a society news release.

Legionella bacteria, which are naturally occurring and typically found in water, are transmitted to people through mist or vapor from water containing the bacteria. For example, air conditioners and hot tubs can be sources of infection. The bacteria do not spread from person to person.

Most people exposed to Legionella bacteria don't become ill, but some develop Legionnaires' disease. The bacteria can also cause a milder illness similar to the flu.

Schwake and his colleagues decided to conduct their study after previous research suggested a link between cars and increased risk for Legionnaires' disease. One of those studies concluded that nearly 20 percent of Legionnaires' cases in Great Britain were associated with windshield washer fluid.

"This study is the first to detect high levels of Legionella in automobiles or aerosolized by washer fluid spray," Schwake said. "While potential transmission of a deadly respiratory disease from a source as common as automobile windshield washing systems is significant, the study also points to the fact people can be exposed to pathogens [germs] -- particularly those occurring naturally in the environment -- in previously unknown and unusual ways."

According to the U.S. Labor Department, Legionnaires' disease got its name from the first outbreak in which the germ was found to be the cause. This outbreak occurred in 1976 at a Philadelphia hotel where the Pennsylvania American Legion was holding a convention. More than 200 Legionnaires and visitors developed pneumonia, and some died.

Research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.

SOURCE: American Society for Microbiology, news release, May 18, 2014

HealthDay
Copyright (c) 2014 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

 

[L.A.B.]

Wow! How do they discover these vectors?

 

[NC Susan]

Wow! How do they discover these vectors?

I guess the Michelle Obama conclusion will be a complete ban on motor vehicles......

more and similar info here ->

http://www.fashiontimes.com/article...-vehicles-may-cause-legionnaire-s-disease.htm


Windshield Washer Fluid in Vehicles May Cause Legionnaire’s Disease
May 20, 2014
By Inigo Monzon




Researchers discovered that the windshield washer fluid used in vehicles may carry bacteria that cause a type of pneumonia known as Legionnaire's disease, Philly reported.

The investigation of the researchers revealed that the Legionella bacteria can grown inside the fluid and thrive for up to more than a year.
This type of bacteria can be typically found in water and can infect people by entering their respiratory system in the form of mist or vapor.

In most cases, people become infected with Legionnaire's disease after being exposed to the bacteria growing in their hot tubs and air-conditioners, Auto News reported.

Lead researcher Otto Schwake of the Arizona State University said, "Washer fluid spray can release potentially dangerous numbers of these bacteria into the air. These results suggest that automobiles may serve as a source of transmission for Legionella infections."

The study was conducted after Schwake and the other researchers came across previous studies that showed a correlation between the development of the disease and cars.

Schwake and his colleagues decided to test windshield washer fluid samples taken from school buses. The team of researchers alarmingly discovered that 75 percent of the buses carried the Legionella bacteria.

When the fluid is sprayed to clean the bus' windshield, the occupants of the vehicle, especially the driver who's directly behind the wheel, can accidentally inhale the bacteria, according to the Washington Post.

"This study is the first to detect high levels of Legionella in automobiles or aerosolized by washer fluid spray," the lead researcher explained.

He added, "While potential transmission of a deadly respiratory disease from a source as common as automobile windshield washing systems is significant, the study also points to the fact people can be exposed to pathogens - particularly those occurring naturally in the environment - in previously unknown and unusual ways."

As a follow-up to their study, Schwake and his team are trying to calculate the average number of people that could be infected with Legionnaire's disease because of the windshield washer fluid.

 

[Doug_C-2]

In warmer states, many times they have taken the methanol (methyl alcohol) out of windshield washer fluid. Methanol acts as an anti-freeze and as a grease cutter. It will also inhibit bacterial growth. You can still get windshield washer fluid with methanol in the warmer states but you may have to look for it.

Btw, they have taken isopropyl alcohol (grease cutter) out of many glass cleaners. I often buy the alcohol separately and add it to the glass cleaner.

 

[cjoi]

Btw, they have taken isopropyl alcohol (grease cutter) out of many glass cleaners. I often buy the alcohol separately and add it to the glass cleaner.

Certainly sounds like it would be a good idea to add alcohol to wiper reservoirs! Thanks, Doug!