In a recent study led by the Health Protection Agency, it was
found that people who drive regularly are more likely to be at risk
from Legionnaires' Disease. 'Professional' drivers, for
example people who drive a van daily as part of their trade, or
heavy goods vehicles, are most at risk. These vehicles are also
commonly driving through industrial areas, increasing the risk
further. People in this category are five times more likely to
contract legionnaires'. Having the window open also increases
exposure. It is feared that at least twenty per cent of all cases
of legionnaires' disease may be due to exposure from
driving.
Drivers who do not use screenwash are at an even greater risk as
it was found that screenwash kills off the legionella bacterium.
The study shows that the legionella bacterium was found in one in
five cars that did not have screenwash but in no cars that did.
"Not adding screenwash to windscreen wiper fluid is a
previously unidentified risk factor
