Why is indoor environmental air quality an issue for so many hospitals and health care facilities? While technology has improved health care options, the fact is many infections and diseases are air born and difficult to control. People are exposed to a wide variety of pathogens whether they are behind the nurses’ station, in the waiting rooms, at a desk or just visiting another patient. Large, diverse groups of people breathe in these particles and become a carrier distributing these viruses and bacteria to the population.
Treating these infections has become more difficult with the ease in which they spread. Coughing and sneezing are symptoms obvious to most people, but by this time, many others have also been exposed to a variety of the air-borne pathogens. A few simple steps can help reduce these problems.
- Filtered airflow systems remove pollutants and contaminants thereby, improving air quality for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.
- Upgraded systems use less energy and improve the airflow throughout the buildings.
- Increased airflow throughout a facility reduces moisture buildups that increase the breeding rate of many contaminants and bacteria thereby decreasing the rate of infection.
- Consistent airflow throughout a building also aids in regulating consistent temperatures. This is important to help reduce likely breeding environments for pathogens.
Improved indoor environmental air quality prevents extended hospital stays and new infections. Illnesses are less severe and recovery times are quicker for the aging population. Replacing old heating and cooling systems helps decrease the spread of disease and helps protect employees, patients and visitors to hospitals and health care facilities.
