081 - Legionella: risk communication and responsability
Autor(s): G. Casiraghi, M. Pradella
Issue: RIMeL - IJLaM, Vol. 5, N. 3-S1, 2009 (MAF Servizi srl ed.)
Page(s): 81-86
Summary
This article attempts to provide a “helicopter view” on the issues linked to the various sub-sets involved in the problem of legionella. The involved eco-environments are reviewed, as well as the habitat and the technical solutions. The double track linked to the involved structures, in particular hospitals and hotels, is discussed. The economic and the legal aspects are discussed as a whole as a further contribution to risk assessment. A description of the compulsory signalizations at the Italian and European levels suggests the need to implement proactive models, such as incident reporting and risk communication, which should be compatible with the provisions of the both domestic and regional laws, Lgs.D. 81/2008 (ethical code). An overview of the involved encoding systems (Register of death causes and DRG-SDO System) with the modifications linked to the pathology codes implemented a few years ago by the Lombardy and Veneto regions complete this description of the legionella system. Though a foreseeable and known contingency, high costs linked to water network overhaul and monitoring probably make the Legionnaire disease a difficult issue to work out in a sanitary context.
Key-words: Legionella pneumophila, Risk Assessment, Risk Communication, Incident reporting, Legal & economic aspect.