Water is the most critical substance for all of us including those microscopic critters. The 5 Second Rule talks to expert, Dr. Janice Stout about what pathogens lurk in our water systems and when left unchecked can cause all kinds of problems for us. We all know to be on the alert when traveling but who knew that sinks, showers and ice machines can be a source of waterborne pathogens. This episode is timely given recent news of natural disasters like hurricanes and flooding that impact local water supplies as well as those created by poor management of municipal water systems.

Hosted by:

Silvia Quevedo

“Flow Matters: if you don’t have flow, it gives bacteria exposure to nutrients and opportunity to grow”

Janet E. Stout, PhD

Dr. Janet E. Stout is president and director of Special Pathogens Laboratory, and research associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. An infectious disease microbiologist, Dr. Stout is recognized worldwide for seminal discoveries and pioneering research in Legionella. Her expertise includes prevention and control strategies for Legionnaires’ disease in building water systems. Dr. Stout’s more than 30 years of research is published in peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. She has also authored textbook chapters on Legionella and Legionnaires’ disease, including the Legionella chapter in the APIC Text. An advocate for prevention, Dr. Stout assisted in developing the first Legionella prevention guideline (1993) in the United States, which continues to serve as a model for national and global health agencies and organizations. Additionally, she serves on the ASHRAE Legionella standard committee for Legionella Guideline 12 and the SPC 188 committee for ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188-2015 Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, the first U. S. standard passed in June 2015. Dr. Stout also serves on the board of directors for the Cooling Technology Institute.