Phosphate drinking water softeners promote Legionella growth.

Phosphate-based drinking water softeners are commonly used to prevent scale formation in drinking water distribution infrastructure. The main reason for drinking water softening is primarily economic (protection of pipes and extension of equipment life), while the health aspect of such treatment is usually neglected. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of phosphate-based drinking water softeners on growth stimulation of Legionella pneumophila.

Contribution of Drinking Water Softeners to Daily Phosphate Intake in Slovenia.

The cumulative phosphate intake in a typical daily diet is high and, according to several studies, already exceeds recommended values. The exposure of the general population to phosphorus via drinking water is generally not known. One of the hidden sources of phosphorus in a daily diet is sodium polyphosphate, commonly used as a drinking water softener.

Occurrence of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens in Common and Noninvasive Diagnostic Sampling from Parrots and Racing Pigeons in Slovenia.

Airborne pathogens can cause infections within parrot (Psittaciformes) and pigeon (Columbiformes) holdings and, in the case of zoonoses, can even spread to humans. Air sampling is a useful, noninvasive method which can enhance the common sampling methods for detection of microorganisms in bird flocks. In this study, fecal and air samples were taken from four parrot holdings.