Hospitals: Clean Air, Healthy Patients

Hospitals are supposed to be places of healing, but they can also be hotbeds of infection. Airborne contaminants can flourish in hospital environments, especially in crowded spaces with weakened immune systems. To prevent infections, hospitals must keep the air clean for patients, visitors, and staff. This can be achieved through the use of air filtration systems, hospital design and construction, as well as proper hygiene protocols and pollution prevention measures.

Hospitals use air filtration systems to prevent infections and keep the air clean

Hospitals are supposed to be sterile and clean environments, but they can be a breeding ground for infections and diseases. Airborne contaminants can flourish and have negative consequences on the health of patients, especially those with weakened immune systems. To combat this, hospitals use air filtration systems to prevent infections and keep the air clean.

In the past, hospital designers based their layouts on the assumption that direct access to sunlight and fresh air was necessary to keep spaces disease-free. However, today, hospitals use modern air filtration systems with multiple parts to maintain high air quality. MERV 8 pre-filters, for example, can catch bacteria and dust before they enter the main HVAC systems. MERV 14 filters can stop around 78% of very small particles of around 0.3 microns in size. HEPA filters are also commonly used to clean the air, although they cannot capture viruses, which are too small.

Hospitals can also implement pollution prevention measures to reduce emissions and the risk of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) such as mercury and dioxin, which can be dangerous to employees, patients, and the wider community. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides guidelines for managing the risk of airborne infection in operating rooms, where patient tissues and organs are exposed, creating an opportunity for microbes to enter the surgical site. An effective ventilation system introduces HEPA-filtered air through laminar flow from the ceiling and removes exhaust air through returns at the margins of the room. Positive pressure in the room keeps air moving from clean to dirty.

In addition to these measures, hospitals can also use gas-phase filters, which are chemical filters that use activated carbon or potassium permanganate, and electronic air filters, which electrostatically charge particles as they pass through. A planned program of performance monitoring and maintenance can also help detect and remedy problems before they compromise air quality and health.

HEPA filters are used to clean the air and eliminate infectious airborne organisms

Hospitals are increasingly turning to air filtration systems to ensure the air their patients, visitors, and staff breathe is as clean as possible. One of the most effective tools in their arsenal is the High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter.

HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing and eliminating airborne particles, including infectious organisms. They are designed to trap a large number of particles, including those that are microscopic in size, such as bacteria and viruses. By using HEPA filters, hospitals can significantly reduce the presence of harmful contaminants in the air, helping to prevent the spread of infections and protecting the health of patients, staff, and visitors.

HEPA filters are particularly important in hospitals due to the vulnerable nature of many patients. Those with weakened or suppressed immune systems are at a higher risk of contracting infections from airborne pathogens. HEPA filters help to mitigate this risk by reducing the presence of harmful organisms in the air.

In addition to HEPA filters, hospitals employ a range of other strategies to maintain clean air. This includes the use of MERV 8 pre-filters to capture larger particles like dust and bacteria before they enter the main HVAC systems. Downstream, MERV 14 filters are used to capture smaller particles. Hospitals also implement strict hygiene protocols, such as hand-washing, glove use, and proper waste disposal, to prevent the spread of contaminants.

The design of hospital buildings also plays a crucial role in maintaining clean air. Modern hospitals often incorporate features such as negative-pressure rooms and displacement ventilation systems to control airflow and prevent the spread of contaminants. Furthermore, hospitals are increasingly adopting Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, which improve ventilation and contribute to better indoor air quality.

Hospitals must comply with regulations to limit the emission of hazardous air pollutants

Hospitals are supposed to be sterile and clean to prevent infections and other health issues. Hospitals can emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) such as mercury and dioxin, which can have adverse health effects on patients, staff, their families, and the community. Therefore, hospitals must comply with federal, state, local, and Tribal regulations to limit the emission of HAPs.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) provides guidelines for hospitals to manage the risk of airborne infections. For example, operating rooms should have effective ventilation systems that introduce HEPA-filtered air and remove exhaust air, while negative-pressure anterooms and closed doors help maintain correct pressure relationships. Hospitals can also implement pollution prevention measures, such as raising mercury awareness in the community and sponsoring "mercury turn-in" events to collect and dispose of mercury-containing items properly.

In addition to regulatory compliance, hospitals can take proactive steps to ensure clean air. This includes using air filtration systems, such as those provided by Camfil, which can remove bacteria, dust, and other particulates from the air before they enter HVAC systems. Hospitals can also design their rooms to restrict the spread of airborne contaminants by isolating patients to specific locations. Proper design and safeguards can help mitigate the effects of poor air quality, which is crucial given the high demand for emergency services and the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Furthermore, hospitals should establish, monitor, and maintain safe and comfortable air quality. This includes testing pressure differentials, airflow, temperature, humidity, and particle levels to ensure the facility meets specifications and health standards. Gas-phase, electronic, and HEPA filters are also used to remove contaminants from the air, with the specific type of filter depending on the particle size and nature of the contaminants. Overall, hospitals must adhere to regulations and implement measures to provide clean air and protect the health of patients, staff, and the community.

Hospitals should implement pollution prevention measures and raise mercury awareness

Hospitals are supposed to be sterile and clean environments, but outdoor air pollution can pose a serious threat to patients and staff, especially those with weakened immune systems. Hospitals can emit hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) such as mercury and dioxin, which can have adverse health effects. Mercury, a toxic heavy metal, is often found in thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and other hospital equipment, and it emits toxic vapors that can be inhaled.

To address this issue, hospitals should implement pollution prevention measures and raise mercury awareness. Firstly, hospitals should transition to using non-hazardous or less hazardous alternatives, as advocated by the WHO. This includes replacing mercury-containing equipment with safer options and gradually phasing out mercury-based products. Hospitals should also focus on source reduction, recycling, and waste minimization, ensuring proper handling and disposal procedures for mercury-containing items.

Secondly, hospitals should invest in air filtration systems to maintain high indoor air quality. MERV 8 pre-filters can capture bacteria and dust before they enter HVAC systems, and MERV 14 filters can stop very small particles. Additionally, HEPA filters are effective in eliminating particulates and infectious airborne organisms, as seen in the Children's Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Hospitals should also consider designing or renovating their facilities to restrict the spread of airborne contaminants, as recommended by the CDC.

Furthermore, hospitals should measure and assess their resource usage and associated emissions to develop data-driven strategic plans for reducing their environmental footprint. This includes evaluating energy use, anesthetic gas use, waste disposal methods, and supply chain operations. Hospitals can also benefit from forming work groups with local administrators to implement effective pollution reduction plans and raise awareness about mercury toxicity within their communities.

By taking these measures, hospitals can significantly improve air quality, reduce emissions, and protect the health and safety of their patients, staff, and the surrounding community.

Gas-phase filters are used to prevent odorous airborne contaminants

Hospitals are increasingly turning to air filtration systems to keep their air clean and prevent infections. Gas-phase filters are an important part of these systems, as they are used to prevent odorous airborne contaminants. These filters are designed to remove air pollution, harmful gases, and unpleasant odours from the air, creating a sterile environment for patients.

Gas-phase filters are particularly effective in environments with medium-to-high contaminant gas levels. They can be used to remove a broad range of compounds, including acids, bases, organic molecules, toxic gases, corrosive gases, and other airborne molecular contaminants (AMC). This is especially important in hospitals where air purity is critical to protect the health of patients, staff, and visitors.

Activated carbon filters are commonly used in gas-phase filtration systems. These filters are designed to remove fumes, odours, and particulate matter from the air. The activated carbon is held in a panel of the same shape and size as a standard filter panel, with carbon granules immobilized and encased in a metal frame. This design allows for easy front or side withdrawal of the panels for maintenance.

Different types of gas-phase filters are available to suit specific environments and needs. For example, High-Efficiency Gas Adsorbers (HEGA) are often used in the nuclear industry to filter gaseous contaminants from airstreams. Hospitals may also use HEPA filters, which can eliminate a high amount of particulates and infectious airborne organisms, helping to restrict the spread of contaminants.

By using gas-phase filters, hospitals can prevent the spread of odorous airborne contaminants, creating a safer and healthier environment for all occupants. These filters play a crucial role in maintaining indoor air quality (IAQ) and protecting sensitive equipment from corrosion caused by airborne pollutants.

Frequently asked questions