scholarly journals Indoor air quality in health care facilities: a call for a concerted multidisciplinary effort

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-54
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Quality In Health Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Renovation in hospitals: a case study on the use of control cubes for local repairs in health-care facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-257
Author(s):  
Ehsan Mousavi ◽  
Vivek Sharma ◽  
Dhaval Gajjar ◽  
Shervin Shoai Naini
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Repair Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Pathogenic Agents ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the control cubes for dust control in health-care facilities. Research shows that more than 80% of pathogenic agents in hospitals are spread into the air, where they either remain airborne or deposit on the surface. At the same time, renovation and repair activities, including regular maintenance, are a necessity in active health-care facilities and a multitude of studies have documented their impact on indoor air quality. The dust that is generated by construction activities may potentially carry pathogenic agents, varying from coarse particles (≤10 µm, PM10) to fine particles (≤2.5 µm, PM2.5), including airborne bacteria, and fungal spores linked to high patient mortality in immune-compromised patients. Design/methodology/approach This study measures the impact and effectiveness of one such preventative measure, namely, the control cube (CC), on air quality during renovation and repair. CC is a temporary structure, typically made from stainless steel, around the local repair zone to minimize the spread of dust and potential microorganisms. The current paper presents a comparative analysis to identify the effectiveness of a CC equipped with the high-efficiency particulate filtration (HEPA) filter in a hospital setting by simulating construction renovation and repair work. Findings A baseline was established to measure the effectiveness of CCs and the impact of negative pressure on the indoor air quality in a hospital during simulated renovation work. Results showed that CCs are very effective in minimizing the spread of dust due to construction activities in the hospital. However, it is imperative to ensure that the air inside the CC is cleaned via filtration. Originality/value CCs are very effective, and this paper investigates the best approach for facility managers to implement this strategy.

Indoor air in healing environments

Facilities ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (9/10) ◽  
pp. 600-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Gola ◽  
Gaetano Settimo ◽  
Stefano Capolongo
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Maintenance Activities

Purpose Several countries have carried out air quality monitoring in professional workplaces where chemicals are used. Health-care spaces have been less investigated. This paper aims to define a protocol, as developed by a research group, for inpatient rooms to understand the state of the art and to suggest design and management strategies for improving process quality. Design/methodology/approach Starting from the ISO-16000 standard and guidelines for monitoring activities, a protocol is defined for a one year investigation, with passive samplers. Through data analysis of the investigations and analysis of the cleaning and finishing products, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and maintenance activities, etc., it is possible to highlight the potential influences of chemical pollution. Findings A methodology is defined for understanding the chemical pollution and the possible factors related to construction materials, cleaning products and maintenance activities. Research limitations/implications The paper analyzes only a limited number of case studies because the monitoring activity is still in progress. Practical implications The investigation offers a starting point for a wide tool for the definition of design, maintenance and management strategies in health-care facilities. Social implications The research project, aimed at improving the knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in inpatient rooms, is a starting point for a supporting tool for future regulations concerning health-care facilities. Originality/value IAQ is an issue on which many governments are focusing. Several health-care researchers have reported studies that aim at improving users’ health. Most investigations are about biological and physical risks, but chemical risks have been less studied. The paper suggests some design and management strategies for inpatient room.

Effects of Ultra High Speed Floor Burnishing on Air Quality in Health Care Facilities

1986 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. 501-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edward A. Schmidt ◽  
Bernard M. Cannan ◽  
Richard C. Mulhall ◽  
David L. Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Dust Particles ◽  
Airborne Dust ◽  
Quality In Health Care ◽  
Ultra High Speed ◽  
Care Facilities

AbstractEffects of ultra high speed (UHS) floor burnishing upon air quality in health care facilities were evaluated. A 2,000-rpm burnisher can disseminate high-velocity (190 km/hr) dust and microbial particles. A UHS burnisher used with either inadequate or no air restraint produced significant increases (P<0.05) in the levels of airborne dust particles and microorganisms. A UHS burnisher equipped with an air restraint assembly specifically designed for use in health care facilities produced no significant increase (P>0.05) in the levels of airborne dust particles or microorganisms when compared to ambient air levels. The types and distribution of airborne microorganisms isolated from microbial air samples were not unusual nor were they directly influenced by the floor burnishing processes. Furthermore, the UHS floor burnishing process produced a significant reduction (P<0.05 ) in microbial floor contaminants (96%). When the use of UHS floor burnishing is contemplated for productivity improvement and esthetic enhancement, the possible adverse effects on air quality should also be considered.

A systematic approach to assessing indoor air quality of long term care facilities

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 224-238
Author(s):  
M. te Kulve ◽  
M.G.L.C. Loomans ◽  
E.R.C.M. Huisman ◽  
H.S.M. Kort
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 284-295 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph M. Seguel ◽  
Richard Merrill ◽  
Dana Seguel ◽  
Anthony C. Campagna
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Air Pollution ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Indoor Air Pollution ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Providers

Many health care providers are concerned with the role environmental exposures play in the development of respiratory disease. While most individuals understand that outdoor air quality is important to their health status, many are unaware of the detrimental effects indoor air pollution can potentially have on them. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates both outdoor and indoor air quality. According to the EPA, indoor levels of pollutants may be up to 100 times higher than outdoor pollutant levels and have been ranked among the top 5 environmental risks to the public. There has been a strong correlation between air quality and health, which is why it is crucial to obtain a complete environmental exposure history from a patient. This article focuses on the effects indoor air quality has on the respiratory system. Specifically, this article will address secondhand smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, house cleaning agents, indoor mold, animal dander, and dust mites. These are common agents that may lead to hazardous exposures among individuals living in the United States. It is important for health care providers to be educated on the potential risks of indoor air pollution and the effects it may have on patient outcomes. Health problems resulting from poor indoor air quality are not easily recognized and may affect a patient’s health years after the onset of exposure.

scholarly journals Simplest Way to Establish COVID-19 Quarantine Observation Wards Within 24 Hours

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 357-359
Author(s):  
Wen-Nan Huang ◽  
Mao-Song Zhuang ◽  
Tsun-Jen Cheng ◽  
Shih-Huai Hsiao
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Negative Pressure ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Government Regulations ◽  
Air Conditioners ◽  
Airborne Infection ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
General Wards ◽  
Daunting Challenge

Reducing nosocomial transmission within health care facilities is important, but the number of negative-pressure airborne infection isolation rooms for SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is limited. It is a daunting challenge to cope with a surge of suspected infectious patients in hospitals. We installed air exhaust fans on the windows to change the pressure direction within the wards rapidly. The best location for the fans was 90 cm from the floor and 90 cm from the edge of bed whether the indoor air conditioners were on or off. The noise level should be <60 dB(A) as per government regulations. General wards can be transformed into makeshift negative-pressure rooms easily and effectively within 24 hours, which is really the simple, fast, and effective way for the transformation being applied.

scholarly journals Indoor Air Quality in Healthcare and Care Facilities: Chemical Pollutants and Microbiological Contaminants

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1337
Author(s):  
Alexandre Baudet ◽  
Estelle Baurès ◽  
Hélène Guegan ◽  
Olivier Blanchard ◽  
Monique Guillaso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air Quality ◽  
Indoor Air ◽  
Fine Particulate Matter ◽  
Complex Mixture ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Indoor Environments ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Care Facilities

The indoor air quality of healthcare and care facilities is poorly studied. The aim of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the chemical pollution and the microbiological contaminations of the indoor environment of these facilities. Methods: A wide range of chemical compounds (39 volatile and 13 semi-volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, fine particulate matter) and microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) were studied. Sampling campaigns were conducted in two French cities in summer 2018 and winter 2019 in six private healthcare facilities (general practitioner’s offices, dental offices, pharmacies) and four care facilities (nursing homes). Results: The highest median concentrations of chemical compounds (μg/m3) were measured for alcohols (ethanol: 378.9 and isopropanol: 23.6), ketones (acetone: 18.8), aldehydes (formaldehyde: 11.4 and acetaldehyde: 6.5) and terpenes (limonene: 4.3). The median concentration of PM2.5 was 9.0 µg/m3. The main bacteria of these indoor environments were Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and Bacillus genera, with median bacterial concentrations in the indoor air of 14 cfu/m3. The two major fungal genera were Cladosporium and Penicillium, with median fungal concentrations of 7 cfu/m3. Conclusions: Indoor air in healthcare and care facilities contains a complex mixture of many pollutants found in higher concentrations compared to the indoor air in French hospitals in a previous study.

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