VOC concentrations in healing environments: A protocol for monitoring activities in inpatient wards and its application on some case studies

Abstract

Introduction. IAQ is one the main topic in which governments are focusing. In architectures for health, several researches are reporting a growing number of data analysis and research works in order to improve users' health. Nowadays many studies are related to biological and physical risks otherwise chemical ones are less investigated. It determinates the need of guideline values for hospitals because the current scenario lacks of specific norms. Methods. A research group has started a monitoring of IAQ in inpatient rooms, giving rise to a protocol supported by ISO 16000 and international guidelines. The analysis examines VOCs, and the influence of thermos-hygrometric, ventilation and concentration of pollutants' conditions. Results. The application of the protocol on some inpatient rooms permitted to verify the monitoring feasibility. Each investigation (12 weeks per year) considered all the activities, users and processes that affect IAQ, as well as room configuration. Although data analysis reports quite adequate values, several design and management activities affect the performances and VOC values, especially related to Benzene, Carbon Dioxide, and Formaldehyde. Conclusion. The analysis is expanding to several hospitals. Although the main goal is to reduce the concentration levels, the aim is to define limit values for VOCs, for guaranteeing healthy healing spaces.