Press Release - January 2020

LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE FEARS

OVER UK CLIMATE CHANGE

Latest temperature records are 'potential time bomb'

BRITAIN is facing a huge increase in Legionnaires' disease that is being fuelled by climate change, water hygiene experts warn.

The potentially fatal illness is spread via the legionella bacteria, which thrives within a specific temperature range in water systems.

Met Office figures published in January 2020 show that the previous decade was the second hottest of the last 100 years. Meanwhile, confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK over a similar period increased by over 40%.

Water hygiene engineer Joe Finn and technology expert Florin Mangu, whose company Remote Tech develops smart systems to monitor risk of legionella, believe the climate change statistics represent a potential time tomb.

The problem is a growing headache for landlords and health and safety professionals who have a legal duty to ensure that water supplies are safe. 

Joe, 29, from Stevenage said: "Legionella thrives within a warm range of temperatures, so the latest climate change figures make grim reading. We have seen a huge increase in confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease. If this continues we face a potential time bomb, with the threat to public health from Legionnaires' disease likely to further escalate. It's a particularly nasty form of pneumonia, with the young and elderly among those most at risk."

Legionella can survive within a temperature range broadly between 20 and 50 degrees C - and proliferate in just 24 hours if water temperatures are around 37.5 degrees C for the bug to multiply. Ifinhaled into the lungs via water droplets it causes Legionnaires' disease. During a major outbreak, around 10% of cases can be fatal.   

The UK experienced its highest ever temperature last year when 38.7 degrees C was recorded in Cambridge on July 25th. Three other records were set across the UK: these included the hottest ever days in the months of February and December, plus the highest daily minimum in February.

There are similar trends across Europe, where The Institute for Hygiene and Public Health at University Clinic Bonn recently stated that climate change is likely to be contributing to an increase in pneumonia caused by legionella. Meanwhile, a viral video of temperature graphics posted online recently showed the stark increases in warm temperatures in cities around the globe.

Traditionally, water systems in public buildings have been subject to monthly temperature tests, which are taken manually. However, Remote Tech has developed a smart sensor that uses 'internet of things' technology to remotely monitor water systems for risk of legionella.

When temperatures are normal the sensor remains on standby, hence saving on battery power.  But if temperatures change, it awakes and sends an alert.The device removes the need for regular site visits, hence reducing carbon footprints. It is currently undergoing extensive trials in conjunction with a number of large institutions and commercial companies.

Remote Tech CEO Florin Mangu says: "Our sensor is the first of its kind to be specifically designed for legionella. It enables temperatures to be monitored in real time in order to keep the public safe."

Domestic water systems can also be at risk, particularly if parts of the system are left unused for long periods or are subject to poor hygiene. If worried, private residents should seek professional advice.

For information visit https://remote-tech.co.uk/.

ENDS

EDITOR'S NOTES:

Florin Mangu, aged 26, has been CEO of Remote Tech since its inception in 2016. He holds a degree in computer science from Hertfordshire University.Joe Finn, aged, 29, has been COO of Remote Tech since its inception in 2016. He is a qualified water hygiene engineer with 13 years' experience.According to figures published by Public Health England there were approximately 375 cases of legionella infection in 2010.During 2018 there were 814 reported cases, of which 532 were confirmed (see fact sheet). Left hand photo: Joe Finn (on left) with Florin Mangu. Middle photo: The Remote Tech S1 sensor Right hand photo: a Remote Tech engineer.

For more information about Remote Tech, or to interview Florin or Joe please contact Keith Bishop PR on 020 7782 9995 or emailgary@kbapr.comormelanie@kbapr.com