At Enrich products, we feel it is important to educate any potential users to maximize the efficacy of their systems. Depending on the conditions of the water being treated, Enrich / Tarn-Pure Copper-Silver Ionization systems will require periodic maintenance on the electrodes housed inside the pipework to ensure optimal release of positively charged copper and silver ions. Some users of copper-silver ionization aren’t aware that this maintenance is needed, or are led to believe that a system can be activated and then forgotten. Monitoring of copper and silver ions at least monthly is needed to determine the frequency of maintenance.

At Enrich Products, we have the ability to give our customers peace of mind knowing that their Enrich / Tarn-Pure copper-silver ionization system is functioning optimally to control the growth of Legionella. We offer monitoring and maintenance programs tailored to each individual treatment situation that can include on-site service or remote shipping options.

Enrich Products works with its customers to help ensure the effective operation of Enrich / Tarn-Pure copper-silver ionization systems. Keeping an open line of communication is the best way to ensure optimal disinfection in any given situation. The customer is responsible for on-site copper tests, collecting and shipping samples for lab analysis, and providing Enrich with system status information. Enrich is responsible for providing the lab results for collected samples and system adjustment reports. If the customer does not complete their responsibilities, Enrich cannot complete its responsibilities, either.

At Enrich, we take pride in our customer service and our ability to forge long-lasting relationships with customers.

Most individuals who become exposed to the bacteria do not become ill. However, if you have reason to believe you may have contracted the bacteria, talk to your doctor or local health department. Be sure to mention any travel you may have done in the previous two weeks.

Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person.

Outbreaks occur when two or more people contract the bacteria in the same place at about the same time, most often in hospitals. Hospital buildings have complex water systems, and many patients and employees in hospitals are already subject to illnesses that increase their risk for Legionella infection.

Other situations conducive to outbreaks have been linked to aerosol sources in the community, or on cruise ships and in hotels.

Legionnaires’ disease can be quite serious and has been known to cause fatalities in 5% to 30% of all diagnosed cases if not treated in a timely manner. Most cases are treated successfully with antibiotics, and healthy people usually recover from infection over time.

People most at risk of contracting the bacteria are seniors  (65 years of age or older), smokers, or those who have a chronic lung disease, such as emphysema.

Individuals with weak immune systems caused by diseases like cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure are also more likely to contract the Legionella bacteria. Also, individuals who take drugs to suppress the immune system (due to chemotherapy or a transplant operation) are also at a higher risk.

In many cases, the disease is diagnosed through the use of chest x-rays or by clinical diagnosis. The most commonly used laboratory test for diagnosis is the urinary antigen test, which detects Legionella bacteria from a urine sample.

If the patient tests positive for pneumonia, then the patient is treated as though he or she has Legionnaires’ disease.  Additionally, if the Legionella bacteria are cultured from a lung biopsy specimen or from respiratory secretions, the diagnosis of Legionnaires’ disease is also considered confirmed.

Blood specimens can also be collected to determine if a specific increase in antibody levels has occurred after symptoms of illness develop to confirm the diagnosis.

Legionella bacteria are typically found in warm water (hot tubs, cooling towers, hot water tanks and large plumbing systems).

Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are most similar to those of pneumonia, so it can be difficult to diagnose early on. The most common symptoms of the disease include: a high fever, chills, and a cough.      Other common symptoms include recurring muscle aches and headaches.

Chest X-rays are often used to locate the pneumonia, and other tests can be done on sputum or phlegm, as well as blood and urine tests can be used to determine evidence of the bacteria in the body. These symptoms usually begin within 2 to 14 days after initial exposure to the bacteria.

A milder variation of the infection is known as Pontiac Fever. The symptoms of Pontiac Fever usually last for 2 to 5 days and may also include fever, headaches, and muscle aches. These symptoms typically go away on their own without treatment and without causing further problems. Because the two diseases are so similar, it can be difficult to determine which of the two you could be suffering from.