Recently published research has shown that windscreen wiper water could be the cause of 20% of cases of Legionnaires' Disease in England and Wales.

It has recently been found that 1 in 5 cases of Legionnaires’ disease comes from water bottles in vehicles which store the fluid for windscreens, the disease is more likely to affect those who drive for a living and are in regular contact with the bacteria given off.  However, the use of a proprietary screen wash will kill bacteria off whereas simply re-filling the bottle with normal water (which then warms under the bonnet of the vehicles and becomes stagnant) creating the perfect breeding ground for Legionella.

Early symptoms of the disease arel similar to flu with muscle aches, tiredness, headaches, dry cough and fever. It is fatal in around 10-15% of patients and males over 45 are in the highest risk group. The number of cases vary from year to year but a rise is expected if the problem is not dealt with (in 2009 there were 345 cases across England and Wales).

Dr Isabel Oliver, regional director of the HPA South West, said more research was needed but people may want to check they have screen wash in their cars as they typically contain agents which would stop the growth of bacteria.

"It does not spread from person to person but is present in water environments and is breathed in when it gets into the air in fine particles or mist."

A further quote from Professor Hugh Pennington states;

"Legionnaires' is rare but it kills people and it's an extremely unpleasant disease. If you can prevent it with something simple then it's a no brainer really."

Our advice is to take acion today to ensure that all company vehicles have screen wash additive in their bottles and communicate this to all staf by way of a memo.  Of you require further advice on this issue or any other health and safety problem please contact one of our safety consultants directly on 01453 800100.