Airborne Pathogens

Construction workers can at times be exposed to certain airborne pathogens. Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease.Workers can easily protect themselves from the airborne pathogens they are most likely to encounter.

• The diseases that are most likely to affect workers through airborne pathogens are Legionnaires Disease and Tuberculosis.

• Legionnaires Disease comes from bacteria called Legionella which has been found in plumbing systems, evaporative condensers, humidifiers, air handling systems and cooling towers.

• If you are working on a system where moisture, oxygen and algae (slime) are present in temperatures between [50-140 F] Legionella may be present. For example, a condensate drain pan from an air handling unit creates a perfect environment for Legionella.

• Since Legionella is transmitted only by aerosol mist you can protect yourself from exposure by using respiratory protection.

• Talk to your supervisor before using a respirator. Doing so requires special training, fit testing and a careful respirator selection process.

• Tuberculosis is a concern for workers when they are servicing air systems or equipment or renovating, repairing or maintaining areas of buildings that could contain aerosolized Tuberculosis. Examples of places where Tuberculosis may be present include hospitals, homeless shelters, nursing homes, drug treatment centers, correctional facilities and hospices.

• If you are planning to work in an area where Tuberculosis may be present you can protect yourself with the proper respiratory protection.

• Talk to your supervisor before using a respirator. Doing so requires special training, fit testing and a careful respirator selection process.