What is the accurate statement about the Legionella risk presented by cooling towers?

Cooling towers are environments that can support the growth of Legionella bacteria due to the presence of water and aerosol generation, which creates an opportunity for the bacteria to spread. The correct statement indicates that both large and small cooling towers can harbor Legionella, which is crucial to understand in order to effectively manage the risks associated with these systems.

Legionella can be present in any water system, particularly in those that operate within specific temperature ranges and have stagnant water conditions. Therefore, the size of the cooling tower does not prevent it from being a potential source of Legionella. Both large and small cooling towers can provide the necessary conditions for bacteria to proliferate, making it essential to monitor and maintain all cooling systems, regardless of their size.

Recognizing the risk presented by both types of cooling towers reinforces the need for comprehensive assessment and management strategies that encompass all cooling water systems to mitigate the potential for Legionella exposure.