Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences Hospital Practices and Research 2476-390X 3 3 2018 07 01 New Legionella Control Options by UV and Violet LEDs for Hospitals and Care Facilities 76 78 61098 10.15171/hpr.2018.17 EN Martin Hessling Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany 0000-0002-4859-2864 Julian Schmid Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany Katharina Hoenes Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany Petra Vatter Institute of Medical Engineering and Mechatronics, Ulm University of Applied Sciences, Ulm, Germany Journal Article 2018 02 25 <em>Legionella</em> infections caused by contaminated water are a widespread problem worldwide. Discharge lamps like mercury vapor lamps are widely known for the disinfection properties of their radiation, but they suffer technical disadvantages, like high voltages and toxic content, and are, therefore, not suitable for some infection control applications. New high-intensity ultraviolet (UV) and violet LEDs offer new approaches for <em>Legionella</em> control, because these bacteria are significantly light sensitive compared to other pathogens. One of the most important infection pathways is the inhalation of <em>Legionella</em>-containing aerosols during showering. This problem could be reduced by a single strong UV LED within the shower head, which irradiates the passing water for some milliseconds. This practice can be especially beneficial in hospitals and care facilities. UV light offers only a limited penetration depth, however, even in pure water. To disinfect larger water volumes, e.g., in water dispensers, visible violet LEDs are more appropriate. Unfortunately, up to now, neither approach has been given much attention by potential users. https://www.jhpr.ir/article_61098_bbe3a23611885241d4f2622e39f29a95.pdf