6 Strategies for Improving Air Quality in Your Hospital Buildings

Hospital air quality is a serious issue. Poor air quality can lead to health problems for patients and staff and even cause infections. We will discuss some strategies for improving the air quality in your hospital buildings.

1. Increase Ventilation

Adequate ventilation is essential for good indoor air quality. By increasing the amount of fresh air that enters a building, you can help to dilute and remove contaminants from the air.

This is especially important in hospital buildings, where patients may be susceptible to infection. Additionally, by ensuring that ventilation systems are well-maintained, you can help to prevent the growth of mold and other airborne contaminants.

In many cases, improving air quality requires making small changes to your ventilation system, opening windows, or using fans to circulate air from outside. However, if you have concerns about the air quality in your hospital, it is always best to consult with a certified specialist.

2. Use High-Efficiency Filters

Poor air quality can lead to various respiratory problems, including asthma and allergies. It can also worsen existing medical conditions and contribute to the spread of infection. One of the most effective measures to improve air quality is to use high-efficiency filters.

These filters can remove up to 99% of airborne particles, including dust, pollen, and mold spores. In addition, high-efficiency filters can help reduce the levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the air.

VOCs are released by various common hospital products, such as cleaning supplies and printers. By reducing the amount of VOCs in the air, hospitals can create a healthier environment for patients and staff.

3. Improve Housekeeping

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your hospital buildings can go a long way in reducing the dust and other particulates that can cause poor air quality. Make sure to regularly sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors, especially in areas where patients are often present.

In addition, take care to dust all surfaces, including furniture, countertops, and window sills. Doing so will help to remove any potential sources of airborne contaminants.

It would be best to keep all trash bins clean and tightly sealed to prevent particles from becoming airborne. Following these simple tips can help ensure that your hospital buildings have clean, fresh air.

4. Avoid Using Strong Chemicals

When cleaning hospital buildings, using any strong chemicals or aerosolized cleaners should be avoided. These products can release harmful VOCs into the air, worsening air quality and contributing to health problems.

Instead, opt for safer green cleaning products for both patients and staff. Green cleaning products are less likely to release VOCs into the air. There are a variety of green cleaning products on the market that are just as effective as their traditional counterparts.

5. Implement Smoking Ban

Smoking is one of the leading causes of poor indoor air quality. When cigarettes are smoked indoors, they release several harmful chemicals into the air, including carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and lead.

These chemicals can cause health problems, especially for those with respiratory conditions. Additionally, secondhand smoke can be just as harmful as smoking oneself. It is important to implement a smoking ban in all hospital buildings. This will help ensure that your hospital’s air quality is as good as it can be.

6. Bring in Plants

Plants are natural air purifiers. They help remove harmful chemicals from the air, including VOCs and carbon dioxide. In addition, plants help to improve indoor air quality by increasing humidity levels.

Plants can be especially beneficial in hospital buildings, as increased humidity levels can help reduce the spread of infection. There are a variety of plants that are known to be effective at improving air quality. Some of the best include Spider Plants, Boston Ferns, and Peace Lilies.

7. Use of Air Filters

Air filters help remove airborne contaminants from the air, making it cleaner and safer to breathe. In addition, they can also help to reduce odors and improve indoor air quality.

When selecting an air filter for a hospital building, it is important to choose one designed for the facility’s specific needs. For example, some filters may be more effective at removing particulates, while others may be better at removing bacteria and viruses.

By working with an experienced provider of hospital filtration systems, you can ensure that your facility has the most effective air filtration solution in place.

Conclusion

There are several strategies that hospital administrators can use to improve air quality in their buildings. By taking steps to reduce the amount of VOCs present in the air, improving housekeeping practices, and avoiding the use of strong chemicals, hospital administrators can create a healthier environment for both patients and staff. At Enviromavens, we are full-service industrial hygiene, asbestos, and microbial abatement organization. We serve any physical environment where the health and safety of customers and employees are critical. Contact us to learn more.