Hospital environments: The relevant aspects of indoor air quality

Abstract

The specificity of healthcare facilities imposes particular requirements on its indoor environment. Indoor air quality (IAQ) in medical facilities is highly relevant to the vulnerable populations of patients but also to the visitors, medical doctors, and staff who spend long hours in their occupational settings. IAQ in hospitals is affected by several major parameters, including the structure and design of a facility, the type of conducted activities (in a given facility), the type and efficiency of the ventilation systems, and the sources of contaminants (in both indoor and outdoor air). Despite the relevance of healthcare facilities, the available information is far from comprehensive. This work aims to introduce the topic of a hospital environment, with information on the development and organization of hospitals and a general overview of indoor air quality in healthcare facilities. (c) 2022 Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.