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Continuous bactericide water filtration for the prevention of Legionella contamination in large public and industrial facilities (LegioTex)
Start date: Sep 1, 2008, End date: Nov 30, 2010 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The aim of LegioTex is to develop a filter capable to inhibit the growth and proliferation of the bacteria belonging to the Legionella Pneumophila Family (responsible of the Legionnaire´s disease) in climate control equipment for large public and industrial facilities. For this purpose, environmental-friendly bactericides will be fixed onto nonwoven textiles assuring a long lasting biocide effect and optimum mechanical properties. Legionella is present in all aqueous media. However it becomes a threat for human health when appropriate conditions for its growth and proliferation are met, which frequently happens in large in-doors facilities using systems for climate control: cooling systems, sanitary water distribution equipment (tanks, boilers, heaters and pipes) and other equipment subject to similar conditions. All large public facilities need climate control equipment. The same happens in industrial facilities, where apart from human comfort, specific conditions are needed to prevent malfunctioning processes. During period 2003-2004, a total of 9.166 cases of legionnaire's disease were reported by 35 countries in the European continent. The overall mortality rate was 8,2%, increasing to a 40% for immunocompromised patients (i.e. in hospitals). Within this scenery, increasing regulation for the installation, operation and maintenance of climate control equipment for large facilities in relation to Legionella has lead to the requirement for more effective bactericide systems. LegioTex will be an opportunity for SMEs in the sector to improve their competitive position by developing an innovative product able to prevent Legionella outbreaks, which complies with applicable normative and minimizes installation and maintenance costs. LegioTex will also be an opportunity for SMEs in the textile sector, allowing for a high-tech application of nonwoven fabrics, and SMEs in the textile chemicals sector, by developing an environmental-friendly biocide for LegioTex.
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