Legionella is the bacterium that causes Legionnaire’s disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Normally, those who catch the disease do so by inhaling the bacteria from water or soil, as opposed to person to person contact. Those with weak immune systems, such as the elderly or smokers, tend to be more susceptible to the disease.

Landlords, employers, hotel operators and hospital administrators are legally required to assess the risk of legionella developing their space. There are three main risks factors that need to be assessed and mitigated: