Applications of IAQ monitoring in international healthcare systems

Abstract

The attention to indoor air quality (IAQ) is required especially in all the contexts which host a large number of users, especially healthcare facilities in which there are several vulnerable users. IAQ is affected by several factors related to the occupants, their activities, building layout and its materials, ventilation and thermal parameters, maintenance, and cleaning activities. Currently, the attention in IAQ issue is not only faced by developed countries, but also from developing countries. There are several international working groups that are realizing monitoring campaigns. The paper presents a brief analysis of IAQ monitoring on some international hospitals. The selection is focused especially on chemical indoor air pollutants, but it lists also some experiences on air biological contamination. The intent is to examine the methodologies applied and the main results that the monitoring campaigns have reported.