Minimizing Indoor Air Pollution in Hospital Settings Supports Better Patient Outcomes

Laura Miller

In hospitals, air quality counts. According to research at Texas A&M University, indoor air pollution in hospital environments increases the risk of hospital-acquired or healthcare-associated infections (HAI) to patients, staff, and visitors, and can have a significant impact on patient outcomes. Smart technology allows hospitals to take control of indoor air quality (IAQ) and support the health and well-being of everyone who comes through their doors.

Top Challenges of Maintaining Indoor Air Quality in Hospitals

Chemical and biological indoor contaminants play a vital role in determining the IAQ in hospitals. Complete removal of these indoor contaminants is difficult owing to the unique environmental needs of hospitals. These include:

	Different temperature and humidity requirements for different areas: Poorly installed, operated, and maintained HVAC systems can lead to sick building syndrome (SBS) and increase the risk of HAI.
	Specific requirements for ventilation and filtration: Rising energy costs mean that complying with IAQ standards can strain operating and maintenance budgets.
	Restricted air movement in and between various departments: Though hospitals use HEPA filters that capture particles associated with deep lung penetration, improved filtration efficiency leads to an increase in pressure drop across the filters.

While hospitals rely in part on ultraviolet germicidal irradiation and HEPA filtration as air-cleaning measures, the best strategy to reduce indoor air pollution in hospital settings is data-driven monitoring and maintenance.

Smart Technology Minimizes Indoor Air Pollution in Hospital Settings

Smart technologies are opening up unprecedented opportunities for minimizing indoor air pollution in hospital settings. By integrating HVAC equipment with smart sensors and an intelligent building management platform, like onPoint, you can gain deep insight into indoor air quality at all times and in every area of a facility. With an understanding of both real-time conditions and a big picture view of historical trends, you can respond to immediate needs and create long-term strategies to improve safety. This includes using cutting-edge fault detection and diagnostics to quickly address problems and data-driven predictive maintenance to prevent problems from occurring in the first place.

Technology is changing the way buildings function and giving you more control than ever before. For hospitals, it’s a powerful way to create safer, more comfortable environments for healing.

Buildings IOT offers the solutions and services needed to monitor indoor air quality and minimize indoor air pollution in hospital settings. Contact our team of experts to find out how we can help you.