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Reducing Exposure to Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)

MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Aug 31 11:16am | Replies (157)
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@sueinmn

Here is my layperson's take on this question.
According to a couple publications (which I cannot seem to copy right now) MAC & MAI are killed by 5 seconds of exposure to temperatures of 70C (about 170F). At that temperature, formation of any biofilm to harbor bacteria would be very limited. It would seem this would limit the amount of mycobacteria in the water.

Other considerations would be the frequency and cost of filter replacement, and how to clean the tank regularly.

This is neither a scientific opinion, nor a recommendation, simply some things to consider. If you are considering it, more research into the safety and a discussion with your pulmonologist would be warranted.

Sue

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Replies to "Here is my layperson's take on this question. According to a couple publications (which I cannot..."
pop55 | @pop55 | Sep 23, 2021

Thanks Sue, I appreciate your time and information! This unit is about $150. and they don't have filters and there is no way to clean them.

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Armando | @bolso1 | Sep 23, 2021

Sue,

The effectiveness of boiling the water to kill microorganisms is influenced by the combination of temperature and length of treatment, and depends on the species of microorganism.

However, because of practical reasons (most of us don't have the tabulated values for the species-temperature-time combinations, or thermometers, or stop watches at hand when we're boiling water at home), the attainment of the rolling boiling stage is usually considered as the end point of the process.

Armando

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