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The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has conducted research that has revealed the presence of legionella bacterium in cars, which did not use screen wash. Following this, professional drivers are being advised to add screen wash to wind screen wipers.

The research showed that one among five cars tested, which did not use screen wash, showed traces of the bacteria which causes the Legionnaires’ disease. However, when cars using screen wash were tested, none of them revealed the presence of the bacteria. The results of this research were reported in the European Journal of Epidemiology. Researchers believe that the usage of screen wiper curbs the development of the disease causing organisms. It has been suggested that the water used by the windscreen wiper could be the reason for 20% of the drivers falling sick with Legionnaires’ disease in England and Wales.

The bacteria is believed to thrive in warm stagnating water. Given this and the fact that professional drivers are found to be at five times greater risk of contracting this disease, the research was undertaken to explore the reasons. Researchers state that the non-addition of screen wash had not been considered as a risk factor until now.

Legionnaires’ disease has symptoms similar to the common flu although it is actually an infrequently detected form of pneumonia. The legionella bacterium, which causes this disease, can also cause a wholesale outbreak of the disease although it is more common to find sporadic incidents here and there.

While all age groups can be infected, people above 50 are at greater risk. Males are more susceptible than females. People with habits like smoking, which compromises their general health, are also at higher risk of contracting Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionnaires’ disease manifests itself with body ache, tiredness fever accompanied by cough. In some people the bacteria causes diarrhoea also. About 10 to 15% of those who contract this disease succumb to it but the fatality rate may be higher in some groups of people.

A HPA spokesperson clarified that although the research has suggested a link between the disease and the absence of screen wash, further research will be required to verify the connection.

Companies need to be sure that they are giving the correct instructions to employees with regard to the latest health and safety issues. The health and safety consultancy services from Workplace Law Training can assist companies in training staff to be aware of the proper health and safety procedures by identifying and improving upon awareness and attitude, and communication to improve the safety culture within an organisation.