August 15, 2004 – Diseases can spread fast through plumbing, heating or ventilation systems. Some people are worried about that.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials together with the World Plumbing Council, the U.S. Virgin Islands IAPMO Chapter and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society, V. I. Chapter, will host a one-day symposium on Aug. 20 at the Frenchman's Reef Marriott, St. Thomas. It will explore the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in relation to plumbing and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) systems design.
The V. I. Chapters of IAPMO and RSES will co-host the SARS Symposium. Euston David, president of the chapter said, "We are very pleased to be a part of the leadership of this important world meeting."
Jeff L. Chandler. president of the V.I. Chapter of RSES, said, "The leadership from throughout the Caribbean is being invited to attend and learn now SARS happened and the relatively simple steps that can be taken to make sure that it is not repeated here."
Roots Beloise, secretary-treasurer of the local IAPMO Chapter, reported, 'IAPMO has been involved in resolving these issues ever since the first days this new disease received world-wide attention. Participation will assist industry, health officials and the government in the Virgin Islands, and throughout the Caribbean, in trying to insure SARS does not become a problem here."
According to a press release, the SARS Symposium will be a forum for HVAC and plumbing industry professionals, scientists, engineers and healthcare representatives to receive and provide information on SARS and to discuss and exchange ideas on how it can be prevented from spreading through the plumbing and ventilation systems.

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