Aerosol

Slovak term: Slovenský termín

1. A suspension of fine solid or liquid particles in a gas, such as air (WHO 2006).
2. A collection of airborne solid or liquid particles with a typical size of 0.01–10mm which are present in the atmosphere. Aerosols are an important source of negative radiative forcing and acid rain (WHO, WMO and UNEP 2003).

Example

An infected source (e.g. a fountain) can disseminate sprays or droplets of water containing legionellae, commonly referred to as aerosols (WHO 2006).

Hot tubs are a particular risk, due to the warm water temperature (optimal for the growth of legionellae), high bather density, conditions that increase the risk of nutrients for bacterial growth, areas of pipework that do not receive disinfection from the pool water or hold stagnant water, and the potential to inhale aerosols at a short distance from the water surface (WHO 2006).

References

• WHO (2006) Legionella and the prevention of legionellosis
• WHO, WMO and UNEP (2003) Climate change and human health: risks and responses

Links

• WHO — The Health and Environment Lexicon
• Global environmental change web site