Indoor air quality in healthcare facilities

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a growing concern, and healthcare settings are places that must take care of the users, also regarding the air they breathe. Currently, there is no specific reference directive on IAQ, although over the years the initiatives by several institutions increased. Currently, there is still no integrated policy on IAQ, although some countries have begun to adopt specific IAQ guideline values. Knowing that IAQ needs a multidisciplinary approach, this chapter investigates the full range of variables that affect IAQ in healthcare environments; in particular, the main factors can be classified as outdoor air and microclimatic factors, management activities, design factors, and users’ behavior. This chapter emphasizes the importance of expanding research and knowledge to improve IAQ, also starting from the design point of view. This chapter aims to argue new research perspectives understanding how built environment, through its design and management, can be health promoter.