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== Quick connectors ==
In the 1980s, the use of quick-connector systems became increasingly popular. These are fittings that attach to the hose and or screw into common hose connectors and equipment, allowing hoses and accessories to be easily connected together using a snap-fit type system. The first plastic connector was invented in the UK by [[Hozelock]] in 1959,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hozelock.com/about-us/|title = About Us | Our History, Values and Innovations Hozelock Ltd|date = 10 March 2019}}</ref> and the style has now become a [[de facto standard]] throughout Europe and the wider world, compatible with and imitated by many other manufacturers. A differently-designed [[hermaphroditic connector|hermaphroditic]] quick-connect hose fitting made by GEKA has the advantage of interconnecting without distinction between "male" and "female" connectors,
The first plastic connector was invented in the UK by [[Hozelock]] in 1959<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hozelock.com/about-us/|title = About Us | Our History, Values and Innovations Hozelock Ltd|date = 10 March 2019}}</ref> and the style has now become the de facto standard throughout Europe and the wider world, compatible with and imitated by many other manufacturers. Some connectors incorporate an 'autostop' feature. This is an internal valve that is shut off by water pressure coming from the hose; it is opened by connecting a fitting or appliance, so that a disconnected hose using this adaptor will stop the flow of water. This eases connecting and changing appliances without the need to shut off the water first.
Some connectors also incorporate an "autostop" feature. This is an internal valve which is shut off by water pressure, and it is opened only by connecting a fitting or appliance; thus, disconnecting a hose fitted with this adaptor will automatically stop the flow of water. This eases connecting and changing appliances without the need to shut off the water first.
== Health risks from aerosols ==
In 2014, it was reported that use of common garden hoses in combination with spray nozzles may generate aerosols[[aerosol]]s containing droplets smaller than 10 μm, which can be inhaled by nearby people. Water stagnating in a hose between uses, especially when warmed by the sun, can host the growth and interaction of ''[[Legionella]]'' and free-living [[amoebae]] (FLA) as [[biofilm]]s on the inner surface of the hose. Clinical cases of [[Legionnaires' disease]] or Pontiac fever have been found to be associated with inhalation of garden hose aerosols containing ''Legionella'' bacteria. The report provided measured microbial densities resulting from controlled hose conditions in order to quantify the human health risks. The densities of ''Legionella spp.'' identified in two types of hoses were found to be similar to those reported during legionellosis outbreaks from other causes. It was proposed that the risk could be mitigated by draining hoses after use.<ref name="ThomasThomas2014">{{cite journal |last1=Thomas |first1=Jacqueline M. |last2=Thomas |first2=Torsten |last3=Stuetz |first3=Richard M. |last4=Ashbolt |first4=Nicholas J. |title=Your Garden Hose: A Potential Health Risk Due to Legionella spp. Growth Facilitated by Free-Living Amoebae |journal=Environmental Science & Technology |volume=48 |issue=17 |year=2014 |pages=10456–10464 |issn=0013-936X |doi=10.1021/es502652n|pmid=25075763 |bibcode=2014EnST...4810456T }}</ref>
== Gallery ==
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