Three years ago I wrote about showerheads that filter out chlorine and why they are important for guests—especially those guests with any kind of chemical sensitivity or compromised immune system. (Click here for that article.) In a hot shower, chlorine gas is released from the water and is easily breathed in. The human body also absorbs chlorine through the skin, mouth, and eyes. A paper recently released by two departments within the University of Colorado suggests that there may be another hazard from taking a shower—notably, Mycobacterium avium, which is a relative of the organism that causes tuberculosis (see article). Don’t panic quite yet.
Researchers at the University of Colorado sampled 45 showerhead sites in the United States. No samples were taken from hotels but the researchers’ findings certainly would apply to any lodging establishment. Researchers removed the showerhead from the pipe and sampled inside the showerhead along the water flow path. Additionally, they sampled water flowing from the showerhead and from the pipe with no showerhead installed. Mycobacterium avium was not found in every showerhead—just 9 percent. Interestingly, however, it was found more often in areas where water is treated with chlorine. Mycobacterium avium is apparently resistant to chlorine.
Why is Mycobacterium avium in showerheads an issue? Showerheads deliver the microorganisms as aerosols, which are inhaled just as chlorine is inhaled. Many of the aerosol particles are small enough to penetrate the deep airways of the lungs. In persons with healthy immune systems, Mycobacterium avium infection is rarely a concern, and most people are exposed to this microbe without development of symptoms. Unfortunately, in those with underlying immune problems, Mycobacterium avium can cause severe illness requiring antibiotic treatment.
The University of Colorado report has caused quite a stir among those who sell showerheads and understandably so. What is the lesson here? Pay more attention to the cleaning, maintenance and replacement of your showerheads. Don’t use bleach or other toxic chemicals to clean them. Mycobacterium avium and other bacteria will just grow back. Also, you may damage the showerheads themselves. The best suggestion, according to Phil Stout, sales director with Water Pik, Inc. in Fort Collins, Colo., is to replace showerheads every three to five years. Inspecting them more often certainly makes sense. If you do choose to clean your showerheads, try immersing them in vinegar for two to three hours. Vinegar will remove the mineral deposits and is a natural cleaner that will kill bacteria and mold.
Inevitably, guests with compromised immune systems will stay at your property. Do what you can to minimize the risks they will encounter in the shower.
If you have any tips for cleaning and sanitizing showerheads, send them to editor@greenlodgingnews.com. I will share your advice with readers in next week’s column.
GLN Adds T2 Site Amenities Case Study to Website
Green Lodging News has added a new case study to the Green Lodging News website. The case study focuses on the InterContinental San Francisco’s recycling program and how the hotel was able to save more than $120,000 annually in waste removal fees. Integral to the hotel’s efforts was the placement of Metro recycling receptacles supplied by T2 Site Amenities in public spaces and Treela Recycling wastebaskets in guestrooms. To access the case study, click here. For additional information, call (847) 579-9003, e-mail lori@t2-sa.com, or go to www.t2-sa.com.
GLN Welcomes Atlantis Hospitality Group as Directory Partner
Green Lodging News welcomes Atlantis Hospitality Group as a Green Product & Service Directory partner. The Atlantis Hospitality Group is a full service consulting organization providing operations and service solutions to the hospitality industry. Atlantis professionals assist independent owners, small ownership groups, financial institutions and hotel brokerage firms with cost-effective solutions to specific hotel operational needs. As president of the Atlantis Hospitality Group of consultants, Ray Hobbs provides assistance and guidance for Green Globe certifications and audits, green sustainability programs, and implementation of green consumption reduction practices in existing hotels. Ray is an Accredited Green Globe Auditor, LEED GA, and certified ecobroker. For more information, call (919) 949-8121, e-mail ray.hobbs@atlantishospitalitygroup.com, or go to www.atlantishospitalitygroup.com.
Have a Product You Would Like to Feature?
The Featured Product Spot in the Green Lodging News weekly e-mail newsletter is available December through March. Interested in having your product featured there? Call me at (440) 243-2055, or contact me by e-mail at editor@greenlodgingnews.com. Additional ad spots are also available for the remainder of 2009. Both 2009 and 2010 media kits are available by request or by clicking here. Thank you to all of those companies that consistently support Green Lodging News.
Looking for a Few Good Guest Columnists
Feeling passionate about a subject related to green lodging? Interested in helping to educate our industry while getting a good plug for your own company at the same time? Give me a call or send me an e-mail. I am currently in search of industry experts to submit occasional guest columns ranging from 700 to 1,000 words in length.
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As always, I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com.
