HARLEM, NY — After the Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Central Harlem sickened more than 100 people and killed seven people last summer, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene said this summer begins stricter testing regulations for landlords.
The new rules, which took effect on May 8, mandate building owners to test for harmful Legionella bacteria every 31 days when the cooling tower is operating, which is three times more frequently than was previously required.
The new laws also increase fines for property owners who fail to comply with the testing schedule, health department officials said.
"Today, we are announcing new amendments that will strengthen safety standards for cooling towers and help us respond to the existence of harmful bacteria more quickly and efficiently," Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga said.
Legionnaires’ disease, a type of pneumonia, is caused by bacteria called Legionella that thrive in warm water environments, like cooling towers and plumbing systems.
Cooling towers are part of some larger buildings' central air systems, and they create cold air by cycling warm air through water, creating a warm, humid environment within the system. There are approximately 4,000 buildings with registered cooling towers citywide.
"After the disturbing deaths and harm caused to individuals and families last year in the deadly Legionnaires’ outbreak, I introduced legislation to counter the danger of unchecked and contaminated cooling towers," Harlem State Senator Cordell Cleare said. "I am encouraged that the New York City Health Department will announce the amended cooling tower regulations and enforce more frequent Legionella testing ahead of the cooling tower season."
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