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Investigating Parameters Affecting Indoor Air Quality Across Multiple Healthcare Facilities

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 School of Architecture and Environmental Design, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Art and Architecture, Islamic Azad University, Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction: The importance of providing a healthy environment, which significantly impacts a patient’s health, renders indoor air quality (IAQ) a vital concern in medical settings. In particular, it is crucial to monitor and assess the air quality inside the building regularly. This study, conducted at Namazi Hospital, Shiraz, Iran, investigated parameters affecting air quality and measured them in the facility’s indoor air.
Methods: In this research, the acceptable limit of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and PM2.5 and PM10 (particular matter) parameters were reviewed based on indoor air quality standards in medical environments.
Results: The measurements revealed that outdoor and indoor levels of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide were below the acceptable limit set by international indoor air quality guidelines. Indoor levels of nitrogen dioxide were also below the acceptable limit, but outdoor levels exceeded it. Furthermore, indoor and outdoor levels of PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the acceptable limit.
Conclusion: The traffic issue on the access routes to this hospital has directly impacted the air quality. Altering the arrangement of indoor furniture, using air purifiers in conjunction with ventilation devices, and renovating, especially replacing old windows and modifying the heating system, can enhance the air quality. Implementing environmental feedback strategies can also contribute to this improvement.

Keywords

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Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 12, Issue 2
April 2024
Pages 151-160
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