Air-conditioning warning

Press, 21 October 1980, Page 27

Air-conditioning warning

PA Wellington 'The Health Department is advising companies with air-conditioned offices to have their air conditioning systems checked regularly. The department is investigating reports 'that dirty ducting may cause the spread of disease. "Although the department does not consider this a problem in New Zealand, we are looking into it” said Dr J. C. J. Stokes, the acting Deputy Director of Occupational Health.

The department is advising companies to have their a i ducting checked every three months for cleanliness.. A recent issue of the Accident Compensation Com-

mission report said that the British Safety Council believed that most companies did not realise the importance of keeping their systems clean. “Ducting used for airconditioning or ventilating systems can be a source of sore throats, coughs, and bronchial ailments and even lead to more serious conditions such as ‘humidifier fever* or Legionnaires disease,” said the report.

The conditions were perfect for germs to breed; air passing through was kept at a steady temperature, which covered the range acceptable to many bacteria and fungi, and the air was humidified so that moisture was available. Dirt and debris in the ducting provided nutrients for bacteria and fungi.