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Abstract

An account of the design and function of airconditioning
systems is provided in order to lay the foundation of study
for the non-engineer. Certain components, particularly
those containing large bodies of warm water, are prone to
contamination with microorganisms. Such components are
described because they present a hazard to the health of the
building's occupants. Methods for collecting and handling
specimens from these sources are included.
Droplet nuclei less than 4.5um in diameter are the
most likely particles to cause disease. They are distributed
via the airhandling plant of the airconditioning system to
all areas of the building. Particles of this size are able
to evade the clearance mechanisms of the lung and be deposi ted in the finest airways where they can cause disease.
There are two major diseases acquired from microbiologically
contaminated air conditioning systems. Legionnaires'
disease manifests as pneumonia and is caused by a gram-negative
bacillus, the type species of which is Legionella pneumophila.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic disease resulting
from the inhalation of organic material. Lung dysfunction and
a variety of generalized symptoms occur.
Recommendations are made concerning the prevention of
diseases from contaminated airconditioning systems and an
approach is suggested towards their investigation.

Item Type:	Thesis - Coursework Master
Authors/Creators:	Eastwood, K
Additional Information:	Copyright the Author-The University is continuing to endeavour to trace the copyright owner(s) and in the meantime this item has been reproduced here in good faith. We would be pleased to hear from the copyright owner(s)
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