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Chemical Pollution in Healing Spaces: The Decalogue of the Best Practices for Adequate Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Gola

    (Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept., Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Gaetano Settimo

    (Environment and Health Dept., Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Stefano Capolongo

    (Architecture, Built environment and Construction engineering Dept., Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Indoor air quality (IAQ) is one of the main topics in which governments are focusing. In healthcare facilities, several studies have reported data analysis and case studies to improve users’ health. Nowadays, although many studies have been conducted related to the biological and physical risks, the chemical risks have been less investigated and only in some specific functional areas of the hospitals. Starting from some systematic reviews and research works, this paper aims to list the best healthy practices for an adequate IAQ in inpatient wards. In particular, the decalogue lists the strategies related to chemical pollution, starting from design and management, with a focus on (a) localization of hospitals and inpatient rooms, (b) hospital room, (c) microclimatic parameters, (d) ventilation systems, (e) materials and finishing, (f) furniture and equipment, (g) cleaning products and activities, (h) maintenance and (i) management activities, and (l) users and workers. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and skills aimed to find solutions able to protect users’ health status. The design and management decision-making, ranging from the adequate choices of construction site and hospital exposure, finishing materials, cleaning and maintenance activities, etc., which can affect the IAQ must be carried out based on scientific research and data analysis.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Gola & Gaetano Settimo & Stefano Capolongo, 2019. "Chemical Pollution in Healing Spaces: The Decalogue of the Best Practices for Adequate Indoor Air Quality in Inpatient Rooms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(22), pages 1-15, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:22:p:4388-:d:285484
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haya Fahad Alomirah & Haruna Musa Moda, 2020. "Assessment of Indoor Air Quality and Users Perception of a Renovated Office Building in Manchester," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-9, March.

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