Danger in Your Water Heater, Maybe
Would you rather scald yourself, or allow harmful bacteria to grow in your water heater? Most energy conservation checklists will tell you that lowering your home's water heater to 120°F will help you safely shrink your home's ecological footprint. According to the health organizations in Canada, however, there may be one slight problem with this strategy. A deadly, warm water loving bacteria that causes pneumonia could possibly grow in your heater if you crank the thermostat down.Legionella, named for an outbreak that killed 34 at an American Legion gathering in 1976, thrives in warm environments ranging from 77 - 113°F, especially in electric water heaters. At 122 - 133°F, Legionella can survive but not multiply. Why exactly do health organizations in Canada and the US disagree on this issue? It's hard to say. OSHA doesn't recommend setting heaters as high as 140°F, because of the risk of scalding children and the infirm. In Canada, most organizations warn against setting heaters below 140°F, because of the risk of Legionaire's disease. We've all been scalded with hot water, and it sucks -- but it's probably preferable to getting pneumonia. Don't you think?
[via Treehugger]
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