boiler feed water

Question

Is there a risk for CF patients to use a boiler feed water container (for dishwashing, washing hands)? I understand that this is a non-moving water recipient.

Answer

I understand your concern more specifically is: is the risk of getting infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased if a boiler feed water container is used for washing hands instead of normal tap water.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is indeed a bacteria which can chronically infect or colonize (colonization is persistence in the lung) CF patients and thus lead to more rapid lung damage (we refer to Ecorn questions concerning this item).

Because Pseudomonas can grow optimally in a humid and warm environment, it’s advisable for CF patients to avoid contact with heated non-moving water where possible, especially if it concerns water aerosol like a Jacuzzi or subtropical swimming pool (we refer to the Ecorn questions concerning swimming and CF).

In a boiler feed water container, water is however heated to a temperature between 55°C and 65°C. These are the advised temperatures for installation of a boiler and this can be easily checked on the device. The aim of these constant high temperature is to avoid bacterial growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can grow in environments with temperatures up to 42°C, it does however
not survive higher temperatures. Using water from a boiler feed water container is thus safe for CF patients, provided the correct installation temperature is used (i.e. above 55°C).

Adequate hand hygiene is still the basis for prevention of infections.

Kind regards
Dr. E. Dewachter

02.02.2011