Indoor air in healing environments: Monitoring chemical pollution in inpatient rooms

Purpose: Several countries have carried out air quality monitoring in professional workplaces where chemicals are used. Health-care spaces have been less investigated. This paper aims to define a protocol, as developed by a research group, for inpatient rooms to understand the state of the art and to suggest design and management strategies for improving process quality. Design/methodology/approach: Starting from the ISO-16000 standard and guidelines for monitoring activities, a protocol is defined for a one year investigation, with passive samplers. Through data analysis of the investigations and analysis of the cleaning and finishing products, heating, ventilation and air conditioning and maintenance activities, etc., it is possible to highlight the potential influences of chemical pollution. Findings: A methodology is defined for understanding the chemical pollution and the possible factors related to construction materials, cleaning products and maintenance activities. Research limitations/implications: The paper analyzes only a limited number of case studies because the monitoring activity is still in progress. Practical implications: The investigation offers a starting point for a wide tool for the definition of design, maintenance and management strategies in health-care facilities. Social implications: The research project, aimed at improving the knowledge of indoor air quality (IAQ) in inpatient rooms, is a starting point for a supporting tool for future regulations concerning health-care facilities. Originality/value: IAQ is an issue on which many governments are focusing. Several health-care researchers have reported studies that aim at improving users’ health. Most investigations are about biological and physical risks, but chemical risks have been less studied. The paper suggests some design and management strategies for inpatient room.